Macron Awarded Starmer France's Highest Honor For His Support Of Ukraine
- 14.07.2026, 22:26
The French president thanked the British politician for his leadership during the war.
Following the announcement of the resignation of Keir Starmer from his posts as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Labour Party, French President Emmanuel Macron awarded British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the Order of the Legion of Honor for his contribution to strengthening European security following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The British leader received the award on the eve of his resignation following a loss of confidence within the Labour Party. This was reported by the news agency Reuters.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor—France’s highest national honor. President Emmanuel Macron presented the award in Paris, noting the British politician’s role in strengthening European security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Starmer, who is set to step down on July 20 after losing support within his own Labour Party, has worked closely with the French president throughout the war in Ukraine. One of the key areas of their collaboration was the creation of the “Coalition of the Resolute”—a group of nations coordinating support for Ukraine.
The award ceremony took place on Monday after the British prime minister attended his final meeting of this coalition. The following day, Starmer took part in Bastille Day celebrations in France. As part of the festivities, British military personnel joined the parade alongside their French counterparts for the first time in more than twenty years.
“Prime Minister, dear Keir, I would like to once again express my gratitude—and that of the French people—for your years of service as Prime Minister. But also—for your personal leadership and dedication not only to your own country, but also to the security of our Europe, to Ukraine, to bilateral relations, and for your integrity,” reads Macron’s statement, released by Starmer’s office.