Last week, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy joined United States Vice President JD Vance for a fishing excursion at his retreat located in the picturesque English countryside. This leisurely outing has since raised eyebrows as Lammy may face repercussions for fishing without the necessary rod licence, an infraction in the UK that carries a potential fine of £2,100 (approximately $5,100).
In response to the situation, Lammy has proactively referred himself to the United Kingdom’s environment regulatory body, acknowledging the oversight that led to the absence of requisite fishing licences for this private lake fishing activity, which occurred during diplomatic discussions at Chevening House. A Foreign Office representative confirmed that once Lammy realised the licensing error, he promptly acquired the appropriate fishing licences.
Moreover, he took the initiative to inform the Environment Agency about the incident, outlining the steps he would take to rectify the situation and expressing gratitude for their efforts in safeguarding Britain’s aquatic ecosystems.
The fishing trip was part of a visit from Vance, who later extended his stay in the UK for a family holiday. Despite his previous criticisms of the British government regarding its handling of free speech, Vance and Lammy maintained a light-hearted atmosphere during a subsequent press briefing, where Vance jested that the only blemish on their outing was that while his children managed to catch fish, Lammy did not.
Following the fishing activity, any fish caught by the group were returned to the lake, reflecting the responsible practices that fishing regulations aim to promote. In England and Wales, individuals aged 13 or older must hold a rod licence for freshwater fishing, a measure designed to sustain fish populations and enhance the overall health of aquatic habitats. An Environment Agency spokesperson reiterated the importance of licences in preserving the UK’s rivers and lakes, while confirming that the relevant licences were subsequently purchased by Lammy.
This incident illustrates the complexities that can arise from seemingly innocuous activities, particularly within the realm of diplomatic engagement.