Sky News has learned that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his family met pop star Taylor Swift and her mother for a 10-minute conversation at her Wembley concert in August. The meeting reportedly included discussions about the tragic Southport stabbings, in which three young girls were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
While it was previously unclear if the two had met, it has now emerged that Starmer’s attendance at the concert has come under scrutiny. This followed reports that Swift was granted an enhanced police escort, despite initial reluctance from the Metropolitan Police.
Sources say there was no conversation between Starmer and Swift about security arrangements, which Downing Street emphasized was an independent decision made by the police. The tickets for the 20 August concert, given to Starmer and his family by Universal Music—located in his Holborn and St Pancras constituency—were declared as required and later reimbursed by the prime minister.
The meeting occurred after Swift had to cancel shows in Austria due to a terror threat and shortly after the Southport stabbing tragedy. Despite the controversies surrounding the escort, the government has strongly denied any claims that Labour figures were given tickets in exchange for police protection.
According to reports, Swift’s mother Andrea, also her manager, allegedly threatened to cancel her London shows if proper security wasn’t provided. However, the government clarified that police decisions regarding security are made independently of political figures.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner addressed the issue, noting that the enhanced security was related to Swift’s cancelled Vienna concerts due to a foiled terror attack. Rayner emphasized that the police, not politicians, handled the matter to ensure the safety of Swift and her fans, adding that the concerts contributed significantly to the economy.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended the involvement of senior officials in discussions about security following the Vienna threat. She rejected accusations of undue influence, stating that safeguarding Swift during her sell-out tour was a necessary policing decision.
