Sky News presenter Kay Burley confronted Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy on air today over accusations that Labour MPs received free tickets to Taylor Swift’s concerts, including herself. Burley sharply responded, “I paid for mine,” as Nandy attempted to suggest broadcasters like Burley had also enjoyed complimentary access to the star’s shows.
Nandy appeared on Sky News to deny claims that the Home Office intervened to provide a police escort for Swift during her sold-out shows in London this summer. The Metropolitan Police had reportedly been reluctant to grant Swift a taxpayer-funded blue-light convoy, which is typically reserved for prime ministers, senior royals, and diplomats. However, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and London Mayor Sadiq Khan reportedly stepped in due to security concerns.
The row over Labour’s involvement escalated when it was revealed that several high-profile Labour members, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Sadiq Khan, received free tickets to Swift’s concerts, sparking public backlash.
Nandy insisted there was no undue influence, telling Burley, “I utterly reject that there’s been any kind of wrongdoing.” During the exchange, Nandy accused Burley of benefitting from free tickets herself, claiming, “Most of Sky News was at these events in the same boxes.”
Burley swiftly shut down the suggestion: “I paid for my tickets,” she snapped, pointing out that Starmer only recently paid for his own tickets, after receiving them last month. Nandy continued to defend the government’s actions, explaining that major events with security risks involve decisions made by the police, not politicians.
Nandy’s day of interviews didn’t stop there. On Good Morning Britain, she faced criticism from MoneySavingExpert’s Martin Lewis, who slammed Labour’s decision to means-test winter fuel payments, accusing the government of “taking money out of the hands of pensioners.” Lewis expressed concern that thousands of pensioners, particularly those with low incomes, would miss out on the benefit this year.
Despite Nandy’s reassurances that the government had extended the deadline for pension credit applications, Lewis argued that many pensioners in need would still be left without the necessary support.
Nandy defended Labour’s position, claiming the government was working hard to reach the poorest pensioners, but the heated exchanges on both Sky News and Good Morning Britain continued to place her on the defensive.
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