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Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has received France’s highest honour, the Légion d’honneur, for his contributions to European security and support for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron presented the award to Starmer on Monday in Paris during a summit of Ukraine’s allies.
According to Macron’s office, Starmer became the first UK prime minister to receive the prestigious French honour.
The award comes just days before Starmer is expected to leave office after losing the confidence of members of his governing Labour Party following several domestic policy reversals.
Despite his political challenges at home, Starmer has remained respected by many international leaders for his stance on Ukraine and his efforts to strengthen ties between Britain and Europe.
He is expected to be succeeded as Labour leader and UK prime minister by veteran politician Andy Burnham.
Starmer also attended France’s annual Bastille Day military parade on July 14 as a special guest of President Macron, alongside other leaders supporting Ukraine.
While presenting the award, Macron praised Starmer’s leadership and commitment.
He commended Starmer’s “personal leadership,” “commitments” to “the security of Europe, Ukraine, the bilateral relationship,” and his “decency.”
Starmer’s election victory in July 2024 ended 14 years of Conservative rule and marked a major shift in the UK’s relationship with European allies, including France.
The previous Conservative government had overseen Britain’s exit from the European Union following the 2016 Brexit referendum.
