Why Keir Starmer’s meeting with Taylor Swift is causing a scandal

Universal Music provided concert tickets to Starmer

Reports of the meeting emerged after Downing Street denied that Starmer had received free tickets for Swift as a “thank you” for the singer receiving a police escort to her Wembley concerts in August.

Tickets for the concert were donated by Universal Music, a company based in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency.

Keir has since returned the four tickets worth £2,800 (over ₹3 lakh each) to Universal.

Starmer’s meeting with Swift has raised questions about government intervention in security deals.

The government denies exchanging concert tickets for police protection

Reports suggest that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged the Metropolitan Police to provide a “VVIP escort” for Swift.

The Metropolitan Police were reportedly reluctant to offer the “VVIP escort”, a service usually reserved for royals and senior politicians, as it costs taxpayers a fortune.

But Swift’s mother and manager Andrea allegedly threatened to cancel her daughter’s shows if the police convoy was not provided.

Deputy Prime Minister Rayner emphasizes the need for security at Swift’s concerts

The government has denied accusations of exchanging concert tickets for police protection, stressing that security decisions are made independently.

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner clarified that the decision to provide security at Swift’s concerts was a police matter, not a political one.

He said it was necessary because of a foiled terrorist attack on Swift’s concerts in Vienna.

“We had to make sure this person was safe,” he said, adding that the concerts brought significant financial benefits.