Macron Awards Starmer France's Highest Honor

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was awarded the Legion of Honor, France's highest state honor, by French President Emmanuel Macron for his contribution to European security following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and for strengthening cooperation between London and Paris.

Starmer accepted the award in Paris after attending the latest meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries supporting Ukraine that he co-founded with Macron. On Tuesday, he also took part in Bastille Day celebrations, during which members of the British armed forces marched alongside French troops for the first time in more than 20 years.

Presenting the award, Macron thanked Starmer not only for his service as prime minister, but also for his personal leadership, support for Ukraine, contribution to European security and efforts to strengthen Franco-British relations.

Starmer announced on 22 June that he would step down as Labour leader and prime minister after losing the support of a significant number of MPs from his own party. He is expected to leave office on 20 July, when his successor is due to be named.

(Reuters, Lud)