Keir Starmer seemed ‘nervous and anxious’ as he struggled in a ‘power-tussle’ with Emmanuel Macron at a remembrance service in France, according to a body language expert.
The tension was palpable as the British Prime Minister and his French counterpart laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris today.
As the ceremony continued Starmer appeared to get overwhelmed by the situation displaying tell-tale signs of discomfort while trying to retain control of his emotions.
The Labour leader’s trip to Paris for talks with Mr Macron came as European leaders consider how to respond to the election of Donald Trump in the US.
Keir Starmer seemed ‘nervous and anxious’ as he struggled in a ‘power-tussle’ with Emmanuel Macron at a remembrance service in France , according to a body language expert
Keir Starmer appeared to get overwhelmed during a remembrance service displaying tell-tale signs of discomfort while trying to retain control of his emotions
When the two men appeared later Starmer looked ‘less assured’ with his arms and hands going white-knuckle rigid
The leaders jointly laid a wreath to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day
But, despite the pair appearing to put on an ’emphatically amicable display’, body language expert Judi James revealed all might not be as it seemed.
Describing footage of when the pair greeted each other Ms James said: ‘Starmer looked like a man who had planned to win the power-battle’.
She continued: ‘As Macron strode down the steps to greet him Starmer smiled and offered his right hand for a strong, macho shake.
Next the two leaders engaged in an awkward partial hug before the Prime Minister raised his left hand and gave Macron ‘a powerful slap between the shoulder blades.’
Mr Starmer then kept his hand pressed onto Macron’s back and gave him an ‘unflinching close-up power stare’ which, according to Ms James, is ‘to register control’.
Today’s proceedings marked the 106th anniversary of Armistice Day
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron stand before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Place de l’Etoile in Paris today
The French president apparently began to make several moves to announce the fact he wanted to move away but Starmer held his hand in a clamp and his dominant stare continued.
Ms James said: ‘In any “who blinked first?” it was Macron who looked away, rubbing Starmer’s shoulders to signal he wanted their clench to break.’
As a result, we could see Macron engaging in some friendly but dominant-looking power-patting through the meeting.
As host, Macron took the lead, guiding Starmer to turn for the cameras and then patting his back again as they walked inside the building.
Ms James added: ‘The projected message from the two men to each other would be Starmer letting Macron know he was no push-over and would not be dominated in these talks.
‘Macron was clearly keen to register camaraderie here and some of his tricks to look in charge seemed to have missed their target.’
When the two men appeared later Starmer looked ‘less assured’ with his arms and hands going white-knuckle rigid.
Ms James said: ‘His mouth became clamped or his lips twitched with what looked like anxiety and there was some nervous auto-contact rituals with his tie and lapels,
‘It was his rapid, staccato blinking that really hinted at the adrenalin burst that nervousness can cause and despite his attempt to meet or match Macron’s back-pats it was clear Macron intended to win the game of pat and steer here.’
The leaders laid wreaths together in front of the statue of Georges Clemenceau on the Champs Elysees
Ahead of the ceremony Sir Keir said he is ‘honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron’
Sir Keir Starmer became the first British Prime Minister since Winston Churchill to mark Armistice Day in France as he joined French President Emmanuel Macron in a Armistice service this morning.
As well as his meeting with Mr Macron and French prime minister Michel Barnier, Sir Keir had a breakfast reception with representatives of the British defence community in France.
According to Number 10, Sir Keir is the first UK prime minister to have attended the Paris commemorations since Churchill joined General Charles de Gaulle in 1944.
It comes as Sir Keir announced more than £10 million to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ day.
In the UK, events will focus on the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The Duchess of Edinburgh will be among the guests at the event, but the Queen is set to miss it as she continues to recover from an infection.
Other events are taking place across Europe, including in Brussels and Ypres.
As well as his meeting with Mr Macron and French prime minister Michel Barnier, Sir Keir had a breakfast reception with representatives of the British defence community in France
The motorcade carrying French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer drives up the Champs Elysees
The Prime Minister has pledged a ‘moment of national reflection’ in 2025, with events on May 8 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe, and also on August 15 to mark the end of the Second World War.
Ahead of the ceremony Sir Keir said he is ‘honoured to be in Paris to stand united with President Macron in tribute to the fallen of the First World War who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today’.
He added: ‘These events are vital in ensuring the memory of millions of young soldiers, sailors, and aviators live on for generations to come.
‘That is why this Government will bring the nation together in a moment of national reflection to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day next year, delivering on our commitment to strengthen community spirit and cohesion and remember the fallen.’
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