Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended her decision to accept complimentary tickets to a Sabrina Carpenter concert, emphasizing that she would disclose them. In an interview on the BBC’s Sunday program with Laura Kuenssberg, Reeves mentioned that she had attended the concert recently with a family member. She elaborated on the challenges of attending public events now that she has security, making it less straightforward than before.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer implemented stricter regulations regarding ministers accepting gifts and hospitality in November following criticism directed at him and several cabinet members over donations. Sir Keir himself reimbursed over £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality that he received as prime minister, which included the cost of six Taylor Swift tickets. Despite this, he justified his acceptance of corporate hospitality from Arsenal Football Club in September, citing security concerns as the primary reason for his decision.
The updated rules introduced last year do not prohibit ministers from receiving donations, but they now mandate ministers to consider the importance of maintaining public trust. Reeves addressed queries about why she received the Sabrina Carpenter tickets without payment, explaining that they were not available for purchase. She emphasized that she would declare the value of the tickets as required. The chancellor’s assertion came subsequent to various media reports on the incident earlier in the week.
In a separate segment of the interview with Laura Kuenssberg, Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride discussed gifts such as ski passes and Bafta tickets received by Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith. Griffith’s registered interests include declarations of receiving two tickets with hospitality to the 2025 British Academy Film Awards (Bafta) valued at £4,000, as well as discounted ski passes and guiding for a trip to Switzerland in January valued at £973. Stride noted that he does not have the specific details about these gifts and stated that it is up to Griffith and Reeves to justify their actions. Griffith responded by highlighting his diligent registration of received hospitality and stressed that he personally covered the costs of flights and accommodations for the events
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