Who decided to place Taylor Swift under police protection in London in August? The British government denied on Wednesday that it had pressured the police to provide the star with a special escort during her concerts in London in mid-August. The singer had seen her performances canceled a few days earlier in Vienna due to a planned suicide attack.
According to the tabloid The Sun, the American singer benefited from a “VVIP” escort, usually reserved for foreign heads of state or the royal family.
Police officials initially opposed this protection but the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London intervened, writes the Sun.
The news about Taylor Swift’s security comes amid controversy over gifts received by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other Labor officials, including tickets to the star’s concerts.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also received tickets.
The minister denies “any influence”
“I totally reject the idea that there was any wrongdoing or undue influence in this matter,” Culture Minister Lisa Nandy told Sky News.
“When major events take place, whether in London or other parts of the United Kingdom, the Home Secretary (Yvette Cooper) is involved in discussions when there is a security risk,” she added.
“I know she doesn’t have the power, and she wouldn’t use it, to insist that someone have high-level private security,” Nandy said.
“It is an operational question which falls to the police, and not to the government,” continued the minister. “The police made the decision,” she concluded.
The star’s mother would have put pressure
According to the Sun, the singer’s mother, who is also her manager, would have threatened to cancel the concerts in August if a police convoy was not set up between her hotel and Wembley stadium.
A few days earlier, three concerts planned in Vienna were canceled after the revelation of a suicide bombing plan.
VideoAustria: Austrian intelligence speaks out on the cancellation of Taylor Swift concert
When questioned, the London police recalled being “operationally independent”. “Our decision is based on a thorough assessment of the threat and risk as well as the circumstances of each case,” a spokesperson said.
Faced with the controversy, Keir Starmer reimbursed nearly 3,400 pounds sterling (4,000 euros) for four Taylor Swift tickets offered by the Universal Music group and two by the Football Association.
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