Taylor Swift secures police escort for London Eras tour after legal push
- Taylor Swift was initially denied special security for her London concerts by the Metropolitan Police.
- The decision changed after intervention from the Attorney General and pressure from government officials due to safety concerns.
- This unusual provision of security for Swift contrasts with the Met's refusal to grant similar protection to Prince Harry, highlighting a significant policy shift.
In August 2023, Taylor Swift was granted enhanced security for her concerts in London, a decision that came after intervention from the Attorney General, Lord Hermer KC. Initially, the Metropolitan Police had denied her request for special protection, citing their protocols against providing VVIP treatment. However, following pressure from government officials, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the police reversed their stance. This unusual decision was made despite the Met's previous refusal to grant similar security to Prince Harry during his visits, highlighting a significant shift in policy. The decision was influenced by safety concerns raised by Swift's management after a bomb scare in Vienna led to the cancellation of a concert in Austria. The Eras Tour was expected to generate substantial economic benefits, prompting officials to act swiftly to ensure the concerts proceeded without incident. The Met Police maintained that their operational independence guided their decision-making process, while the Attorney General's office emphasized that the final call was a police operational decision.