Swift Security Saga: Nandy Denies Labour’s Hand in Taylor’s Police Escort Amid Safety Fears Post-Vienna Plot

Lisa Nandy has refuted claims of high-level Labour involvement regarding a police escort for Taylor Swift in London. It is believed that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan discussed Taylor Swift's security with the police following the thwarting of a bomb threat in Vienna aimed at her Eras tour, just days before her concerts.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 11:

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A senior government official has refuted claims that leading Labour figures directly facilitated a police escort with emergency lights for Taylor Swift to Wembley.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan reportedly contacted the Metropolitan Police to urge them to provide a "VVIP escort" for the superstar during her Wembley Stadium performances in August.

According to The Sun, the Metropolitan Police were hesitant to approve the use of a blue-light escort, usually allocated for top-ranking royals and prominent politicians, due to the significant cost it incurs for taxpayers.

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Swift's mom Andrea, who doubles as her manager, reportedly warned that she would cancel her daughter's three performances unless a police escort was arranged.

Just days earlier, the artist had to cancel her performances in Vienna after a thwarted suicide bombing attempt aimed at her Eras tour, which the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States later revealed was designed to claim the lives of tens of thousands of attendees.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphatically denied any misconduct by the Labour government or the Labour mayor of London during an interview with Sky News.

She stated that one would anticipate the involvement of both the home secretary and the mayor in discussions concerning a security threat like the one following the Vienna bomb plot.

"She stated on Sky News that it's a matter for the police to handle, not the government."

The minister noted that Ms. Cooper would have made a "thoughtful decision on the matter and shared her opinion."

She also mentioned, "Remember, regarding Taylor Swift, the recent cancellation of her concerts in Vienna was due to a significant security concern."

"I completely deny any allegations of misconduct or improper interference in this matter."

Ms. Nandy stated that no politician, including the prime minister, possesses the authority to supersede the police in this issue.

Prominent Tory MP James Cleverly, who is currently leading the race for the Conservative Party leadership, has penned a letter to the Home Secretary inquiring whether she stepped in to provide "VVIP protection" for Swift.

He also inquired if any minister had communicated with Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley regarding security measures for Swift, and whether they were offered tickets to her concerts either before or after the security decisions were finalized.

Mr. Cleverly stated that the motorcycle escorts supplied by the Metropolitan Police are not intended for private individuals or to facilitate traffic for pop stars.

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A source from the Home Office informed Sky News that the decision was made at an operational level by the police.

"They noted that it is reasonable to anticipate collaboration between the government, the Mayor's Office, and the Metropolitan Police to guarantee safety and security during events of such magnitude."

A spokesperson for Mr. Khan stated: "We do not discuss the Metropolitan Police's security measures as those are operational decisions made by them."

Sky News has learned that Mr. Khan and Ms. Cooper talked about the security plans for the tour. It is also known that the tickets given to the mayor did not come from Swift's group and were provided prior to any conversations about security.

Stay informed on the most recent updates from the UK and internationally by tuning into Sky News.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: "The Met operates independently in its actions.

"Our approach to decision making is grounded in a detailed evaluation of the potential threats, risks, and harm involved, taking into account the specific details of each situation."

"Our consistent policy is to refrain from discussing the particulars of security measures."

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