Downing Street Avoids Confirming if Keir Starmer Met Taylor Swift at London Concert
The official spokesperson for the Prime Minister has avoided commenting on whether Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, met pop star Taylor Swift during her London concert. However, they did deny any suggestion of a conflict of interest regarding the decision to provide Swift with VIP police protection. The police made this decision, and it was unrelated to the Prime Minister’s free concert tickets.
Did Starmer Meet Swift?
When asked if Starmer had met Swift on August 20, the day he and his family attended her concert at Wembley Stadium, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson refused to give a direct answer. They stated that official meetings would be updated periodically in the government register.
Special Police Protection for Swift
No. 10 has faced repeated questions about the decision to provide Swift with a police escort from the Special Escort Group (SEG). This elite unit of the Metropolitan Police typically includes security for the royal family and top-level politicians. Downing Street explained that the decision was made by the police, particularly after Swift canceled three shows in Vienna following a foiled terror plot. It was emphasized that the police were responsible for security decisions, not the government.
Concerns About Economic Impact
Reports suggest the decision to provide Swift with VIP protection may have been influenced by concerns raised by Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. They highlighted the potential negative economic impact if Swift’s London shows were canceled.
Denial of Conflict of Interest
The Prime Minister’s office strongly denied any claims of influencing the police decision due to Starmer receiving free tickets to Swift’s August 20 concert. The tickets, worth £2,800, were provided by her record company. Earlier this month, Starmer repaid £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality, including these concert tickets. When asked if there was any conflict of interest, the spokesperson stated that the Metropolitan Police made security decisions, and that was final.
Ticket Controversy Addressed
When pressed on whether the free tickets were given as a thank-you for the police decision, the spokesperson firmly denied this, reiterating that security measures are entirely the responsibility of the police. Although they didn’t deny that conversations may have occurred between No. 10 and Swift’s team, they explained that such discussions about security are routine.
Other Notable Gifts
Among the gifts Starmer repaid was £598 for two tickets to another of Swift’s Wembley concerts on August 15, provided by the Football Association. Starmer didn’t attend this concert, and the tickets were given to family members instead. After receiving tickets from Swift’s record company, Yvette Cooper attended one of Swift’s concerts with her husband, Ed Balls.
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