British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has claimed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented engraved pistols to fellow NATO leaders who attended this week's NATO summit in Ankara. Speaking to British reporters during his return flight on Wednesday, Starmer said each participating leader received a pistol bearing their name, accompanied by a box of ammunition, as an official gift from the Turkish president.

According to Starmer, the personalised firearms were presented as commemorative gifts during the high-profile gathering of NATO leaders. His remarks, first reported by the Press Association, offered an unusual glimpse into the diplomatic exchanges that took place alongside discussions on security, defence spending and regional stability. While ceremonial gifts are common during international summits, Starmer's account drew attention because the gifts involved firearms.

Starmer said he was unable to bring the pistol back to the United Kingdom because doing so would violate British firearms laws. He explained that although Erdogan had provided a letter lifting Turkish export controls for the weapon, the exemption did not override the UK's domestic import regulations. As a result, the firearm was left behind in Türkiye rather than being transported back with the British delegation.

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The disclosure came shortly after the conclusion of the NATO summit, where alliance leaders met to discuss a range of security issues, including defence cooperation, military preparedness and ongoing geopolitical challenges. The gathering also focused on strengthening collective security amid growing tensions in several regions, with member states reaffirming their commitment to NATO's principle of mutual defence.

The summit marked Starmer's final major international engagement as British prime minister. He announced his resignation on June 22 and is expected to remain in office until the ruling Labour Party elects a new leader, who will automatically become the country's next prime minister. The leadership transition comes at a significant moment for the United Kingdom as it continues to engage with allies on defence, economic and foreign policy priorities.

Former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is widely regarded as the leading contender to succeed Starmer, although the Labour Party has yet to complete its leadership selection process. Until a new leader is chosen, Starmer will continue to serve as caretaker prime minister, representing the United Kingdom in official matters. His comments regarding the gifts presented at the NATO summit have generated interest because of the diplomatic protocol involved and the legal restrictions surrounding the transport of firearms across international borders.

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