Keir Starmer becomes first UK PM to be awarded France’s Légion d’honneur

Sir Keir Starmer has made history as the first British Prime Minister to be awarded the Légion d'honneur directly by a French president at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.

The recognition celebrates Mr Starmer's pivotal role in creating the coalition of the willing, an alliance co-chaired by Britain and France that committed to backing Ukraine during a crucial period for European security in early 2025.

Prior to watching the traditional parade alongside President Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Labour leader met with British military personnel participating in the ceremonial events.

The award marks one of Sir Keir's final appearances on the world stage, with the Prime Minister set to transfer power to Andy Burnham in the coming days.

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Winston Churchill remains the sole other British prime minister to have received a comparable French distinction, having been presented with the higher-ranking Grand-Croix of the Légion d'honneur in 1958 for his wartime leadership and deep connections with France.

Other recipients of the Grand-Croix have included former US President Dwight Eisenhower, West German leader Willy Brandt, and Nelson Mandela.

The honour bestowed upon Sir Keir represents a dramatic transformation in Anglo-French relations at the highest level.

Mr Macron's dealings with Conservative predecessors were frequently fractious, with the French president clashing repeatedly with Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss over Brexit matters and subsequently engaging in cross-Channel disputes concerning fishing rights.

During the presentation ceremony, Mr Macron declared that Sir Keir had played a "historic role" in assembling the coalition supporting Ukraine.

"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.

"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."

The French President added: "We found with you a very reliable and friendly partner."

At Monday's coalition summit, Mr Macron led delegates in a minute-long standing ovation honouring the Prime Minister's contributions.

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Mr Zelenskyy praised the British leader's "constant, steadfast support" for his country, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested Sir Keir would continue offering counsel to his successor informally.

The coalition of the willing now encompasses 37 nations that have pledged military and financial assistance to Kyiv whilst imposing sanctions on Moscow and planning a multinational peacekeeping deployment once fighting ends.

Monday's gathering in Paris saw Moldova and North Macedonia participate in discussions for the first time.

The summit also advanced plans for a European-developed alternative to American Patriot air-defence systems, a priority for Mr Zelenskyy given severe shortages of Patriot Pac 3 interceptors that have hampered Ukraine's ability to counter incoming ballistic missiles.

A joint statement confirmed that Ukrainian forces would conduct exercises with coalition members in preparation for potential peacekeeping deployments.

The Prime Minister is anticipated to hand over to Andy Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor, next week, with the departing Labour leader viewing European unity on Ukraine as a defining achievement of his two-year premiership.

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