Starmer’s Gifted Revolver Stays in Turkey for Decommissioning Before UK Return
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 8
Starmer’s Gifted Revolver Stays in Turkey for Decommissioning Before UK Return
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 8
Summary
British officials left Keir Starmer’s engraved revolver in Turkey after the NATO summit because it was presented with live ammunition and cannot legally enter the UK in that state.
UK law bars importing a live firearm, so the gift is expected to be decommissioned in Turkey before being returned, even though Recep Tayyip Erdogan waived Turkish export controls.
The revolver was one of a series of personalized guns Erdogan gave attending leaders in Ankara, but Downing Street has not released an image of Starmer’s weapon.
At the same summit, Starmer signed a defence agreement with Turkey to deepen intelligence sharing and said the alliance had emerged stronger and more united.
The trip was set to be Starmer’s last major international event after he announced his resignation last month.