Macron awards France’s highest honour to UK PM Keir Starmer

French President Emmanuel Macron has awarded UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer France’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, recognizing the importance of the relationship between the two countries.

Keir Starmer has become the first UK prime minister to be presented with the Légion d’honneur by a French president, in recognition of his work with France on the security of Europe.

The award is traditionally given to recognize exceptional contributions and achievements, both in public service and in strengthening ties with France.

Macron awarded the historic honour to Starmer for his leadership in setting up the coalition of the willing–a group of countries chaired by France and the UK that have pledged to support Ukraine at a critical moment for Europe in early 2025.

The British leader was presented with the honour on Monday after attending his final meeting of that coalition.

On Tuesday he attended Bastille Day celebrations, which saw British armed forces joining their French counterparts in the parade for the first time in more than 20 years.

“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, according to a statement released by Starmer’s office. "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 honour marks an important motive in UK-France relations, with Starmer becoming the first serving UK prime minister to receive the prestigious distinction.

Previously, the only other British prime minister to receive a similar award – at a higher level, the Grand-Croix of the Légion d’honneur–was Winston Churchill in 1958 in recognition of his leadership and close ties to France during the second world war.