Keir Starmer becomes first UK PM to receive France’s Légion d’honneur
Keir Starmer has become the first UK Prime Minister to receive France's Légion d'honneur, awarded by President Emmanuel Macron for his leadership in supporting Ukraine. The honor signals a warming of diplomatic relations between the UK and France following years of tension over Brexit.
Why it matters
This award marks a symbolic shift in Anglo-French relations and highlights the importance of the coalition supporting Ukraine in the current European security landscape.
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron embrace as Starmer is awarded the Légion d'honneur. Photograph: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron embrace as Starmer is awarded the Légion d'honneur. Photograph: Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street Keir Starmer Keir Starmer becomes first UK PM to receive France’s Légion d’honneur Exclusive: Emmanuel Macron honours outgoing prime minister for leadership role in supporting Ukraine
Prefer the Guardian on Google Keir Starmer has become the first UK prime minister to be presented with the Légion d’honneur by a French president, in recognition of his work with France on the security of Europe.
Emmanuel Macron awarded the historic honour to Starmer for his leadership in setting up the coalition of the willing – a group of countries chaired by France and the UK that have pledged to support Ukraine – at a critical moment for Europe in early 2025.
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