Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been awarded France's highest national honour, the Legion of Honour, by President Emmanuel Macron in recognition of his contribution to
European security and support for Ukraine.
The award was presented in Paris after Sir Keir attended what was expected to be his final meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, the group of countries coordinating military and political backing for Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Starmer is due to leave office on 20 July after losing the confidence of the Labour Party. During his time as prime minister, he worked closely with President Macron on strengthening European defence cooperation and coordinating support for Kyiv.
The ceremony came during a two-day visit to France, where Starmer also attended Bastille Day commemorations. British troops took part in the annual military parade alongside French forces for the first time in more than two decades, highlighting renewed defence ties between the two countries.
Presenting the Legion of Honour, President Macron praised Starmer's leadership and his commitment to European security.
"Prime Minister, dear Keir, I wanted to reiterate my gratitude and the gratitude of the French people, obviously for your years as prime minister," Macron said, according to a statement released by Starmer's office.
He added that the honour also recognised Starmer's "personal leadership" and his commitment to "the security of our Europe, Ukraine, the bilateral relationship, and your decency."
The Legion of Honour, established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is France's highest distinction and is awarded for outstanding military or civil service. It has previously been bestowed on a number of foreign leaders and prominent international figures.
Photo by Rijksmuseum, Wikimedia commons.
