Labour forced to deny Keir Starmer got Taylor Swift tickets as 'thanks' for security

Downing Street has dismissed suggestions that Swiftie Sir received four free Taylor Swift tickets as a "thank you" for intervening in the singer's security arrangements.

A Number 10 spokeswoman insisted that security for the star had been a matter for the Met Police.

It comes after intense scrutiny around the alleged involvement of senior MPs in discussions about security for Swift's sell-out summer shows at Wembley.

The Metropolitan Police had reservations about providing the singer with a taxpayer-funded motorbike convoy.

Taylor Swift's mum reportedly threatened to cancel her August tour dates in the UK if the pop star didn't get special VIP security from the police.

It was after three dates for the Eras tour were cancelled in Austria's capital Vienna after an ISIS terror attack was foiled by US intelligence services the week before.

However, after the singer said she would pull out of the event without enhanced security, there were interventions by top Labour ministers and even Sue Gray, ex-Downing Street chief of staff, who reportedly negotiated with Swift's mother Andrea over security.

Swift later did receive VIP police protection from Scotland Yard.

Sir Keir received four free tickets and hospitality, worth £2,800, to Swift's Wembley event on August 20 from Universal Music Operations Ltd, the star's record label.

The Downing Street spokeswoman said: "First and foremost these are operational decisions that are taken by the Metropolitan Police, and you have seen their statements confirming that themselves.

"At the same time it is right and expected that the Government, mayor and police do have a dialogue and discuss the policing of major events in the capital."

But No10 today declined to say whether Sir Keir met Taylor or Andrea, who acts as her daughter's manager, at the Wembley gig.

Asked directly about this, the spokeswoman said: "I don't have any updates."

Downing Street also did not deny that Number 10 had conversations with Swift's team.

She added: "It is entirely legitimate for the Government to have a dialogue with the police when it comes to the arrangements for major events."

It was not the first time Sir Keir had bagged free tickets to allow himself and others to boogie at Swift concerts.

He accepted two free tickets and hospitality from The Football Association worth £598 for two "family members" to enjoy the concert on August 15.

Sir Keir has agreed to repay the costs of these.

However, he has not said he will pay back the cost of four free tickets with hospitality worth £4,000 that he accepted from the Premier League before becoming Prime Minster that were accepted for one of her concerts on June 21.

Sir Keir and his wife Victoria posted an image of themselves enjoying that concert on X.