Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism for his comments about Taylor Swift following the Southport stabbings, where three children were killed at a Swift-themed dance class. The Prime Minister expressed shock at the attack but was accused of focusing too much on the singer's reaction rather than the victims.
Taylor Swift said she was “completely in shock” after the attack, posting on Instagram: “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously. These were just little kids at a dance class.” Police said a 17-year-old boy armed with a knife entered the class on Monday morning, attacking children aged six to 11.
Three children, aged nine, seven and six, died, and eight others were injured, five critically. Two adults, believed to be teachers, are also in critical condition after trying to protect the children. The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Online fundraisers have been set up, including one by Taylor Swift fans that has raised nearly £80,000 for Alder Hey children's charity. Cristina Jones, who helped organise the fundraiser, said: “These families are going through unimaginable hell. If we’ve taken some sort of burden from them, it’s nice to know we’ve done what we can.”
King Charles said he was “profoundly shocked” by the “utterly horrific incident”, while Starmer stated: “The whole country is deeply shocked at what they have seen and what they have heard.” Critics argued Starmer should have prioritised the victims over Swift's remarks.
