The British prime minister jokes on stage during a live podcast recording.
Credit : Screenshot – TikTok -@keirstarmer
Keir Starmer doesn’t usually do jokes. Which is why this one landed.
On Monday, January 26, the British prime minister surprised an audience – and social media – by poking fun at Emmanuel Macron’s now-notorious sunglasses during a live recording of comedian Matt Forde’s podcast.
Mid-show, Starmer was handed a pair of aviator shades similar to those worn by the French president at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week. He put them on, paused for effect, and simply said: “Bonjour.” The room laughed.
From Davos to TikTok in one move
Macron’s sunglasses had already become a talking point in Davos, where he wore them due to an eye issue. The look drew comments almost immediately, including from Donald Trump, who openly wondered during a speech what had happened to the French leader’s eyes.
Starmer’s take was lighter. The moment was shared on the prime minister’s TikTok account, along with a message aimed squarely at Macron: “Talk to me, Goose” – a nod to Top Gun and Tom Cruise.
Asked whether the shades might make an appearance at future international summits, Starmer laughed it off, saying he’d still need his regular glasses if he wanted to see what was happening in Parliament.
Trump calls, family life and football interruptions
The podcast also gave listeners a glimpse into Starmer’s off-duty life. He revealed that Donald Trump tends to ring him directly on his mobile, rather than through official channels.
One call came while Starmer was at home with his children, clearing away plates after dinner. Another arrived at what he described as an especially bad moment – halfway through an Arsenal vs PSG match, no small thing for a committed Arsenal fan.
Trump, for his part, has already shown he’s paying attention to European leaders’ style choices. Macron’s sunglasses were clearly no exception.
Jokes aside, a serious week ahead
Despite the humour, Starmer also touched on more serious matters. He defended his decision to travel to China this week, the first visit by a British prime minister since 2018.
His explanation was blunt. Being a leader, he said, means dealing with whoever is in charge elsewhere – whether you like it or not.
The exchange offered a rare, relaxed moment from a prime minister better known for caution than comedy – and proved that even in global politics, a pair of sunglasses can steal the spotlight.
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