Fury as top Labour politicians 'pressed' cops to give Taylor Swift royal-style escort to concerts
Entertainment
Cops were reluctant to grant her the VVIP service — which comes at huge expense to the taxpayer
Top Labour politicians ‘pressed’ cops to give Taylor Swift royal-style escort to Wembley gig – then landed free tickets
(Web Desk) - Top Labour politicians have been accused of pressing police to give Taylor Swift a royalty-style blue-light escort to Wembley.
Cops were reluctant to grant her the VVIP service — which comes at huge expense to the taxpayer.
Swift’s mum and manager, Andrea, is said to have threatened to axe the August shows unless a police convoy was provided.
It followed a foiled suicide bomb plot in Austria the previous week.
Senior cops agreed to it after personal interventions by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
VVIP protection is usually for senior royalty and politicians.
Even Prince Harry would not get the same treatment after losing a court case over the downgrading of his security.
The Special Escort Group of motorcyclists has a strict policy of not being used for private individuals.
It is understood chiefs were opposed to providing protection for billionaire Swift, 34, and her entourage.
Revelations over the security wrangle come after Labour politicians have been criticised for devouring freebies.
PM Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Khan were among those to receive free tickets for the Wembley gigs.
Ex-Met commander John O’Connor insisted: “Police should be left alone to make operational decisions.
“This interference creates a perception there is no such thing as a free lunch or concert tickets. The Met is unable to provide security for Prince Harry but he must be in at least as much danger as Taylor Swift.