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It’s nearly the end of summer recess – MPs are back in parliament on Monday – but we’ve just received the monthly list of gifts received by ministers. 

Of course, Sir Keir Starmer is no exception.

The PM received a book and tie from French President Macron and a leather wallet from Macron’s wife. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump gave Starmer a book and a golf club, while Trump’s hotel in Turnberry threw in a “special edition whisky” for the UK leader.

Saving the best until last, the Sultan of Oman gave Starmer an ornamental shield.

Documents also show the PM’s trip to watch the Lionesses win the Euros in Switzerland cost £1,060.44 – paid for by UEFA and the FA. 

But Starmer hasn’t been the only one cashing in this summer.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy received a number of gifts on a trip to Kuwait.  

Among the gifts – which have been kept by the Foreign Office – were a watch and pen set (£11,002), a Cartier pen (£435), some FRED jewellery (£18,250), and a perfume gift set (£2,500).

Lammy also received a £347 pitcher from Paraguay’s foreign minister. Middle East minister Hamish Falconer was also gifted £200 worth of dates, chocolate, honey, oil, and coffee from the Saudi government.

Other ministers received the following: 

• Tech Sec Peter Kyle – tickets and hospitality to see the British Grand Prix, worth £3,585 (but he did present a trophy);
• Culture Sec Lisa Nandy – tickets to the British Grand Prix (she also presented a trophy), the women’s finals at Wimbledon, and the Women’s Euros finals;
• Nandy was also gifted a “porcelain box” worth almost £650 from the French;
• Arts and telecoms minister Sir Chris Bryant – Tickets to a Diana Ross concert worth £365.10, plus a £140 photo of the singer;
• He also nabbed a seat in Wimbledon’s Royal Box, among other things.

It’s worth noting that all of these gifts are above-board and have been officially declared on the gov.uk website, which is how we know about them. 

Gifting is an important part of international diplomacy, while ministers routinely accept hospitality as part of their roles – such as presenting trophies or supporting national teams.