During the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan surprised fellow leaders by gifting them engraved revolvers along with ammunition, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer shared details with reporters on his return flight from Turkey, explaining that the firearms were accompanied by a note exempting them from border controls.
Starmer noted, however, that he left the revolver in Turkey, as bringing it back to the United Kingdom would have been illegal. This summit marked a significant international engagement for the British Prime Minister, who announced his resignation from Downing Street on June 22 and will serve until a successor is chosen, likely Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester.
Earlier in the day, Starmer described the summit as “productive,” asserting that the goal of unity was achieved. In a joint statement, NATO member countries reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the alliance’s mutual defense clause as outlined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which is foundational to the organization.
Regarding Ukraine, NATO leaders reiterated their steadfast support for the country amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. During the summit, U.S. President Donald Trump once again criticized European allies, particularly for not supporting the United States in its conflict with Iran. Starmer, who faced Trump’s scrutiny in Ankara, emphasized that he has always maintained good relations with the U.S. leader and assured, “We will stay in touch.”
