Starmer Receives French Legion of Honour Days Before Leaving Office

Keir Starmer has become the first British prime minister to receive France's highest distinction, the Legion of Honour, just days before he leaves office on 20 July. French President Emmanuel Macron presented the award in Paris on 13 July, during Starmer's visit for a summit of the Coalition of Volunteers for Ukraine and the Bastille Day military parade Source: ABC.es.

The distinction

The Legion of Honour, created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is France's most prestigious award. The only previous British PM to receive a similar honour was Winston Churchill, who was awarded the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour in 1958 for his leadership during World War II Source: Infobae. Starmer's award is a lower rank but still historic.

Why now

Macron said the award was a sign of "gratitude from the French people" for Starmer's tenure, his personal leadership, commitment to European security, and the strength of bilateral relations Source: ABC.es. He described Starmer as a "very reliable and kind partner" Source: Infobae. Starmer, who became PM in July 2024, resigned on 22 June after losing support within the Labour Party following poor electoral performance Source: ABC.es.