On Tuesday, 26th May 2015, Her Excellency, Ambassador Sylvie Bermann presented Sir Edward Leigh MP with the insignia of Officier in the Légion d’Honneur.

The Ambassador recalled that Sir Edward, a former student of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, has acted as a unique link to France, ‘a bridge between our parliaments, our governments and our societies’.

This fondness for France has been a key element in his career, as he has been Chairman the All Party Parliamentary Group on France for many years. Paying tribute to his long political career as an Member of Parliament, the Ambassador emphasized how deeply committed he has been to sustaining the relationship between France and the United Kingdom, a commitment symbolized by the distinction he has been awarded.

Sir Edward concluded his speech by saying that “France and the UK have a unique relationship. I thank the President for this honour. It is an honour not only for me, but above all for the All Party Parliamentary Group on France... Long live France, and long live the Entente Cordiale!”