The British government denied on Wednesday that it pressured the police to get pop star Taylor Swift a special escort during her London concerts in August, after her shows in Vienna were canceled due to a planned suicide attack, according to AFP.
Taylor Swift, the biggest pop star in the world PHOTO: Instragram
The American singer benefited from an escort “VVIP” (Very Very Important Person), usually reserved for foreign heads of state or the British royal family, according to The Sun tabloid, quoted by AFP and Agerpres.
According to The Sun, the Police representatives initially opposed this special protection, but the British Home Secretary and the Mayor of London intervened.
The details of the security provided to the singer Taylor Swift appear against the background of the controversy triggered by the gifts received by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other politicians from the Labor Party, especially by the seats offered to attend the concerts held by the American star.
“An operational matter that belongs to the competence of the Police”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is among those who received such tickets.
“I completely reject the idea that there was any wrongdoing or undue influence in this matter. When major events take place, either in London or in other regions of the United Kingdom, the Home Secretary (Yvette Cooper) is involved in the discussions that take place when there is a security risk. I know that she does not have the power, and will not use it, to insist that a person benefit from a high-level private security device. It is an operational matter that belongs to the competence of the Police, not to that of the Government. The police made that decision“said the Minister of Culture, Lisa Nandy, for the Sky News television station.
The singer’s mother, who is also her manager, would have threatened to cancel the London concerts in August if a police convoy is not deployed on the route between the hotel where the pop star was staying and Wembley Stadium, according to The Sun.
Plans for a suicide terrorist attack
Three concerts scheduled in Vienna a few days earlier were canceled after the revelation of plans for a suicide terrorist attack.
The London police reminded that it is “operationally independent”.
“Our decision is based on a thorough threat and risk assessment, as well as the circumstances of each individual case“, said a spokesman.
Amid the controversy that appeared in the public space, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reimbursed almost 3,400 pounds (4,000 euros) for four tickets offered to him at the concerts of the singer Taylor Swift by the Universal Music group and two tickets offered by the Football Association.
