Sir Keir Starmer received a personalized revolver with live ammunition as a gift from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a recent Nato summit. The firearm, engraved with Starmer's name, was among similar presents given to national leaders attending the event in Ankara.
Per British regulations, the weapon has not been brought back to the United Kingdom and is currently being held by British officials in Turkey. It is expected to be decommissioned before any potential return, rendering it inoperable. Turkish officials waived export controls for the gift, but importing a live firearm into the UK is prohibited.
Downing Street has not publicly released an image of the revolver. Alongside the gift, Starmer signed a defense agreement with President Erdogan aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing between the two nations. Following the summit, Starmer stated that the alliance appeared stronger and more unified. He described the summit as productive, achieving its goal of unity, which he deemed crucial given ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.