US pop sensation Taylor Swift received a special police escort during her London concerts after a terror plot led to the cancellation of three shows in Vienna. Reports emerged that Swift was given a motorbike escort typically reserved for senior members of the royal family and top politicians.
UK Culture Minister Lisa Nandy denied claims that Swift was given preferential treatment, dismissing allegations that the police escort was influenced by senior political figures. This comes amid scrutiny of the Labour government for accepting gifts, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer receiving six tickets to one of Swift’s concerts.
Starmer, who attended the concert with his wife, later announced that he had repaid the value of the tickets, addressing concerns of improper conduct. However, Nandy stated that the decision to provide a police escort was based on operational assessments by the police, rather than government influence.
The Metropolitan Police also emphasized that their decisions are made independently, guided by thorough risk assessments. The heightened security measures followed the discovery of an alleged suicide attack plot by an Islamic State sympathizer targeting Swift’s concerts in Vienna. Three suspects were arrested, and Swift’s Vienna shows were canceled after a joint investigation with US intelligence agencies.
Swift’s mother and manager reportedly threatened to cancel her London performances unless she was given a police escort, according to The Sun. The tour, which was predicted to boost the UK economy by nearly £1 billion, concluded its European leg in August.
