British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has become the first UK prime minister to be awarded France’s highest national honour, the Legion of Honour, directly by a French president. The award was presented by President Emmanuel Macron at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14th. Macron praised Starmer's “decency” and contribution to Ukraine and the security of Europe.
The presentation marks a historical first for a British Prime Minister receiving this honour from France. GB News reports that Starmer’s receipt of the Légion d'honneur occurred during Bastille Day celebrations, signifying the importance of the occasion. The Straits Times notes the award recognizes Starmer’s work on European issues.
The stated reason for the honor, as relayed by BBC US, is Macron's recognition of Starmer’s commitment to Ukraine and broader European security concerns, alongside his personal character. No sources detail the specific criteria used in selecting Starmer for this honour beyond these broad strokes.
While the award itself is a straightforward acknowledgement of diplomatic ties and shared interests, the timing – occurring during a period of ongoing geopolitical instability with the war in Ukraine – underscores France’s desire to signal continued collaboration with the United Kingdom.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy