LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been presented with the Legion of Honour — France’s most prestigious national award — by French President Emmanuel Macron during a ceremony in Paris. The honor was given in recognition of Starmer’s efforts to strengthen European security in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Starmer, who is expected to step down from his role on July 20 following a loss of confidence within his own Labour Party, worked alongside Macron throughout the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Among their joint efforts was the creation of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of nations committed to supporting Ukraine.
The British prime minister received the award on Monday, following his attendance at what will be his final meeting of that coalition. The following day, Tuesday, he participated in Bastille Day festivities in France — an occasion that saw British military personnel march alongside French forces in the parade for the first time in over two decades.
Speaking at the ceremony, Macron expressed his appreciation for Starmer’s leadership. “Prime minister, dear Keir, I wanted to reiterate my gratitude and the gratitude of the French people, obviously for your years as a prime minister,” Macron said, according to a statement from Starmer’s office. “But I have to say, beyond that, for your personal leadership and your commitments for obviously your country, but the security of our Europe, Ukraine, the bilateral relationship, your decency.”
