Politics & Governance
Macron gives Starmer France's highest honour before UK leadership change
Britain's outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has received France's highest honour in recognition of his work on European security and Ukraine.
President Emmanuel Macron's office said Macron presented Starmer with the Legion d'honneur on Monday in Paris, where Starmer was attending a summit of Ukraine's allies. Starmer also attended the annual July 14 military parade in central Paris as Macron's guest, alongside other Ukraine allies.
Starmer, who became prime minister after a landslide election victory in July 2024, is the first UK prime minister to receive the award. He is due to leave office within days after losing the confidence of his governing Labour party following a series of domestic policy reversals that damaged his popularity.
The report said Starmer is viewed more favourably by many foreign leaders, including on Ukraine and efforts to build closer European ties. He is due to be replaced as Labour leader and prime minister by Andy Burnham, a veteran former minister described in the report as a pro-European centrist.
Macron praised Starmer's personal leadership and commitments to the security of Europe, Ukraine and the bilateral relationship, as well as what Macron called his decency.
Starmer is 63 and previously worked as a human rights lawyer and chief state prosecutor. Labour's return to power after 14 years in opposition marked a change in relations with Britain's closest European allies, including France. Under Conservative governments, Britain left the European Union after a divisive 2016 referendum on membership.
Update
The award was given in recognition of Starmer's work on the security of Europe and Ukraine.
Starmer is the first UK prime minister to receive the Legion d'honneur.
Starmer is due to leave office within days after losing the confidence of his governing Labour party over domestic policy U-turns.
Andy Burnham is due to replace Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.
Starmer attended the July 14 military parade in Paris as Macron's guest alongside other Ukraine allies.
Macron praised Starmer's leadership, commitments to European security, Ukraine and the bilateral relationship, and his decency.
The report says Starmer is held in high regard by many foreign leaders on issues including Ukraine and closer European ties.
Source note: AFP news report published on 14 July 2026 at 17:56:47 UTC.
Update
The award was the Legion d'honneur, France's highest honour.
Macron presented it to Starmer on Monday in Paris.
The Elysee Palace said Starmer was in Paris for a summit of Ukraine's allies.
Starmer also attended the traditional July 14 military parade.
The source said the award came days before Starmer leaves office.
Source note: AFP news report published on 14 July 2026 at 17:31:59 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The source says Starmer is due to leave office within days but does not give an exact date.
Source
AFP news report published on .