According to Sky News, Sir Keir Starmer had an encounter with Taylor Swift during her performance at Wembley Stadium.
It has come to light that the Prime Minister and his family engaged in a 10-minute conversation with the pop singer and her mother, where they talked about the Southport stabbings.
This information surfaces amidst concerns about government involvement in discussions regarding security measures for the concerts following Swift receiving a police escort funded by taxpayers despite objections from the Metropolitan Police.
Political updates: PM does not rule out raising employer national insurance
It was previously unclear whether Sir Keir and Swift had crossed paths at the event.
Discussions regarding security arrangements for the artist were absent, which Downing Street conveyed was an issue solely for police to handle operationally.
Sir Keir and his family received complimentary tickets to the concert on August 20, which were reported and have since been reimbursed.
Taylor Swift performing at Wembley Stadium. Pic: AP
This encounter occurred after the renowned artist had to cancel performances on her Eras Tour in Austria due to a terror threat, and following a mass stabbing incident in Southport connected to a Taylor Swift-themed dance class that resulted in the death of three young girls.
Sir Keir received an invitation to the August event from Universal Music, located within his Holborn and St Pancras constituency.
Following a controversy surrounding ministers accepting complimentary tickets that made headlines during his initial 100 days, he reimbursed the cost of the tickets.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Questions over Taylor Swift motorcade
Further inquiries arose following a report from The Sun claiming that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan had engaged with the Metropolitan Police to advocate for the superstar’s “VVIP escort” when she returned to London to wrap up her European tour in August.
The Met was reportedly hesitant to approve the escort, as such blue-light privileges are generally reserved for immediate members of the Royal Family and prominent political figures due to the significant cost incurred by taxpayers, the newspaper stated.
It is said that Swift’s mother, Andrea, who also manages her, threatened to withdraw her daughter’s three performances if the police convoy was not established.
The government has refuted claims that senior Labour officials received tickets to the performances in exchange for police escort, emphasizing that the Met operates independently from political figures.
Explore more:
Significant revelations regarding Starmer’s gifts and freebies
Westminster Accounts: Check your MP
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner explained that the cancellation of Swift’s performances in Vienna was due to a foiled terror plot that aimed to endanger tens of thousands of her fans.
“Our priority was ensuring her safety. That is solely a police responsibility, not a political one. The police are the authority that makes such decisions,” she remarked.
She continued by saying that police provided security to allow Swift to proceed with concerts that contributed significant investments to the economy, especially benefiting smaller businesses in need of such support.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated to Sky News that it is anticipated that the home secretary and the mayor would be involved in discussions when there is a security risk, particularly following the Vienna bombing plot.
“I firmly reject any notion of misconduct or inappropriate influence in this situation,” she asserted.
