The British government has denied pressuring police to provide star Taylor Swift with a special escort during her concerts in London in August after her shows in Vienna were canceled due to a planned suicide attack.
According to tabloid The Sun, the American singer was provided with a "VVIP" escort, which is usually reserved for foreign heads of state or the royal family.
Police officers initially objected to this protection, but the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London intervened, AFP reported.
The news of Taylor Swift's security comes amid controversy over gifts received by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other Labor officials, including concert tickets for the star.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was also given tickets.
"I absolutely reject the idea that there was any wrongdoing or undue influence in this matter," Culture Minister Lisa Nandy said.
"When there are major events, whether in London or in other parts of the UK, the Home Secretary (Yvette Cooper) is involved in the discussions when there is a security risk," she added.
"I know she has no authority and she wouldn't use it to insist that someone have a high level of private security," Lisa Nandy said.
"This is an operational matter for the police, not the government," she continued. "The police have made the decision," she concluded.
The singer's mother, who is also her manager, is said to have threatened to cancel concerts in August if a police escort was not provided between her hotel and Wembley Stadium.
A few days earlier, three planned concerts in Vienna were canceled after it became clear that a suicide bomber planned to attack the venue.
In questioning, London police again said they were "operationally independent". "Our decision is based on a thorough assessment of the threats and risks and the circumstances of each case," a spokesman said.
Keir Starmer has refunded nearly £3,400 (€4,000) for four Taylor Swift tickets donated by Universal Music and two by Football. | BGNES
