Just when you think the stunts pulled by Sir Ed Davey’s liberal lot can’t get any stranger, they do. Now the Liberal Democrats are calling for Taylor Swift to receive the ‘Freedom of the City of London’ after her shows filled a ‘blank space’ in the British economy – and the party has even tabled a motion to ‘recognise the cultural and economic impact’ of Swift’s latest Eras tour. Quiet recess, eh?
Swift wrapped up the UK leg of her Eras tour this week with an eighth show at Wembley Stadium – breaking a record held by none other than Michael Jackson. Playing to over 1 million fans, the US country singer-turned-pop sensation is thought to have generated a whopping £1bn for Britain’s economy, boosting London’s finances by almost £300 million. While T Swift will have already been vastly remunerated for her world tour, Davey’s bunch believe the pop icon should receive a rather UK-specific reward. The impact of her sell-out shows, the Lib Dems argue in a press release put out today, will counteract the economic toll of the premiership one of her own biggest fans. ‘Taylor Swift’s anticipated impact on the British economy,’ the group declared, ‘will provide a remedy to the delicate state the Conservative government has left it in through years of neglect and the legacy of Liz Truss’ mini budget.’ The former PM and avid Swiftie – who even quoted the singer during an, er, parliament debate – may however be rather unimpressed to be pitted against her idol. Talk about Bad Blood…
The 13th-century founded Freedom of the City of London confers some rather bizarre benefits to those who are awarded it. Not only would Swift be able to herd sheep across London Bridge without paying a toll – the joys! – Mr S hears that upon induction, new recipients are informed they will be allowed to carry a sword openly in the city while inebriated awardees can enjoy a pleasant ride home from the police. Swift would join a rather notable cast list of honorary recipients if the Lib Dems have their way, including JK Rowling, Bob Geldof and Dame Judi Dench. Alright for some!
And it’s not the first time politicians have been infected with Swiftmania. Just last year, Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon lodged a Holyrood motion to ‘congratulate Taylor Swift on being named Time magazine’s Person of the Year for 2023’. Crikey. In the words of the woman herself, You Need to Calm Down…
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