Try GOLD - Free
Reeves defends taking gig tickets after freebies row
The Independent
|March 24, 2025
The chancellor yesterday defended her decision to accept free tickets to see pop star Sabrina Carpenter perform live.
Rachel Reeves claimed she took the freebie because it was the right thing to do from a security perspective”. Ms Reeves said she and a family member went to see the American star a couple of weeks ago”. She claimed the tickets “weren’t tickets that you were able to buy”.
Asked about the “Espresso” singer’s show on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Ms Reeves pledged to declare the value of her tickets. Her visit to London’s O2 Arena, first reported in The i Paper earlier this month, followed a row over ministers accepting freebies and a change to the ministerial code with new guiding principles on when gifts and hospitality are acceptable.
Sir Keir Starmer last year received several gifts from prominent Labour donor Lord Alli, including “multiple pairs of glasses” to the value of £2,485, “work clothing” worth £16,200 and accommodation worth £20,437.28.
This story is from the March 24, 2025 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent
The Independent
This nation of meat lovers doesn't need a £600 steak
With the UK arm reporting a £5.5m loss and US branches shut, Hannah Twiggs asks what Salt Bae's downfall reveals about the end of food as flex - and the rise of quiet luxury
5 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
'Life's too short: go for what it is you secretly long to do'
Alex Kingston sits down with Helen Coffey to talk 'Strictly', recovery from uterine cancer, repping for superwomen over 60, and resisting getting embroiled in social media drama
8 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
Macron reappoints Lecornu as PM days after resignation
French president Emmanuel Macron has reappointed Sebastien Lecornu as the country's prime minister, just days after he offered his resignation.
3 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
‘To be a rebel today is to try and bring people together’
Former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft's Oasis-tinged summer is being followed by a new solo album and arena tour of his own. Time to bury the hatchet with Mark Beaumont and reflect on his extraordinary, rebellious career so far
8 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
‘So many are missing work just to see the car go past’
Manchester was united in blue as it paid tribute to a favourite son. Alex Pattle reports on a stirring farewell that proved Ricky Hatton was treasured even more as a man than a boxer
3 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
Melania ‘in talks’ with Putin over war-displaced children
The US first lady has 'an open channel of communication' regarding Ukrainian children being held captive by Moscow
3 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
Migrant guilty of threats to kill Farage in TikTok video
An Afghan migrant who came over to the UK via small boats was found guilty yesterday of making threats to kill Nigel Farage on TikTok.
3 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
Cooper says she was unable to prosecute China 'spies'
Yvette Cooper has claimed that she wanted alleged Chinese spies prosecuted when she was home secretary, but that her hands were tied.
4 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
When the celebrations end, Netanyahu faces reckoning
The scene in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, on Thursday afternoon was one of nervous relief rather than joy.
3 mins
October 11, 2025
The Independent
We should not be surprised if gigantic AI bubble bursts
Some 25 years ago, I was shown round a “dotcom incubator”.
4 mins
October 11, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size