PARIS — Britain’s outgoing Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has been awarded France’s highest national honour, the Legion d’honneur, in recognition of his leadership on European security, support for Ukraine, and efforts to strengthen UK-France relations.
French President Emmanuel Macron presented the award to Starmer on Monday in Paris, where the British leader attended a summit of Ukraine’s allies and participated in France’s annual Bastille Day military parade as a guest of honour.
During the ceremony, Macron praised Starmer’s “personal leadership,” his commitment to “the security of Europe, Ukraine, the bilateral relationship,” and what he described as his “decency.”
Starmer, who became prime minister after Labour’s landslide election victory in July 2024, is the first serving UK prime minister to receive the prestigious French distinction.
The honour comes just days before Starmer is expected to leave office after reportedly losing the confidence of his Labour Party following a series of domestic policy reversals that weakened his political standing.
Despite mounting challenges at home, Starmer has continued to earn widespread respect among international leaders for his strong backing of Ukraine and his efforts to rebuild Britain’s ties with European partners following years of post-Brexit tensions.
He is expected to be succeeded as Labour leader and prime minister by veteran politician Andy Burnham, a pro-European centrist and former cabinet minister.
Starmer’s rise to power marked a significant shift in Britain’s relationship with its European allies after 14 years of Conservative rule, during which the UK formally exited the European Union following the 2016 Brexit referendum.
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