French President Emmanuel Macron has awarded outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the Legion d’honneur, the highest honor in France. The presentation took place in Paris on Monday during a summit focused on security support for Ukraine.
Starmer, the first UK prime minister to receive this recognition, took office following a significant 2024 election win. Although he is preparing to depart from his role as Labour leader and prime minister due to domestic policy challenges, he is widely respected by international counterparts for his focus on European integration and his stance on the war in Ukraine. Veteran politician Andy Burnham is expected to succeed him.
During the Bastille Day commemorations, Macron highlighted the former prosecutor’s personal dedication to European security and the strengthening of Franco-British ties. Starmer’s premiership had previously signaled a notable shift in diplomatic relations following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
