Starmer Says Erdogan Gave Branded Pistols as NATO Gifts

British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer stated on Wednesday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented each NATO leader attending the Ankara summit with a personal pistol, engraved with the recipient's name and accompanied by ammunition.

Speaking to reporters on his return flight, Starmer noted that the weapons were inscribed and came with a box of bullets. His remarks were reported by the Press Association.

Starmer said he was forced to leave his own gift in Turkey because importing it into Britain would be illegal, despite a letter from Erdogan waiving export controls on the items.

The NATO summit is considered one of the final major international engagements for Starmer, who announced his resignation as Labour leader on June 22. He will remain in post until a successor is chosen, with former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham considered the frontrunner.