Starmer gifted gun and ammunition by Turkish president at Nato

BBC News reported on Friday 10 July 2026, that footage recently emerged of the UK's Labour leader Keir Starmer receiving a gun and ammunition from Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during a Nato summit last week.

The revelation raises questions about the handling of gifts received by government officials and has led to concerns about the potential security implications of allowing such items to remain in foreign possession.

According to sources, the gun and ammunition were given to Starmer during a meeting with Erdoğan on the sidelines of the Nato summit, which took place in Turkey on Tuesday 7 July. Although the item was not returned to the UK, it has been left in the possession of British officials based at the Nato headquarters in Turkey, BBC News reported.

The incident has sparked debate about the rules surrounding gifts given to government officials and whether these items pose a risk to national security, particularly in situations where they are left in foreign possession.

While some argue that gifts received by government officials are a common occurrence and do not necessarily pose a security risk, others have raised concerns that such items could potentially be used for malicious purposes.

The issue has also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of gifts given to government officials, with some calling for stricter rules and protocols to be put in place.

The UK's Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment on the matter, but as yet has not provided a response. The Nato summit in Turkey was attended by leaders from across Europe and North America, and was seen as an opportunity for the international community to come together and discuss pressing global issues, including security and defence.

Despite the growing tensions in the region, Nato leaders expressed confidence in the alliance's ability to address emerging challenges and promote stability and security. The summit was a key moment in the Nato calendar, with leaders from across the world coming together to discuss pressing global issues and strengthen the alliance.