British Foreign Secretary David Lammy has received a written warning for fishing without a license during a recent outing with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The incident occurred earlier this month at Lammy’s country estate located south of London, as the two leaders enjoyed a day of fishing while Vance was on vacation in England.
According to an Environment Agency spokesperson, Lammy’s actions constituted a minor violation of fishing regulations, which could have resulted in a fine of up to £2,500 (approximately $3,380). After the incident, Lammy described the oversight as administrative and promptly purchased a fishing license, subsequently reporting himself to the agency.
Details of the Fishing Outing
The fishing trip took place on August 8, 2023, where Lammy hosted Vance and his family. During the outing, Vance shared what Lammy referred to as “Kentucky-style fishing tips,” which, despite their lighthearted nature, did not prove effective for Lammy, who ended up not catching any fish.
“The one strain on the special relationship is that all of my kids caught fish, but the foreign secretary did not,” Vance remarked after the outing.
The Environment Agency has regulations stating that anyone over the age of 13 is required to hold a valid license for freshwater fishing in England and Wales. While the agency typically issues warnings to inexperienced anglers caught without a permit, Lammy’s experience could be seen as an example of beginner’s luck.
As for Vice President Vance, the agency declined to comment on whether he possessed a fishing license, citing data protection rules. A spokesperson for Vance did not respond to a request for comment regarding the incident.
The situation highlights the importance of adhering to local fishing regulations, even for high-profile officials. Lammy’s swift actions to rectify the oversight may mitigate any potential repercussions, but the incident serves as a reminder of the rules governing recreational activities.