Illegally Fishing with J.D. Vance, No Fishing License in Sight.
Last week, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy hosted US Vice President J.D. Vance at Chevening House, his official country residence, for high-level diplomatic talks. During the visit, it has emerged that an administrative oversight led to Lammy not having a fishing license, despite the diplomatic event involving fishing [1][2][3].
The event, which was reported by The Guardian, showed Lammy and Vance fishing together [1]. However, it is not known whether it matters that Lammy did not catch any fish during the event. The environmental agency has since confirmed that the necessary fishing licenses have been obtained for the diplomatic event [2].
The diplomatic visit took place amidst significant international tension, including the planned Trump-Putin summit in Alaska regarding the war in Ukraine, which raised concerns among European and Ukrainian officials [2][3]. Vance’s meetings aimed to strengthen alliances and further negotiations relating to the war and related geopolitical issues [2].
The US President’s deputy spent his family holiday in the English countryside of Cotswolds after the diplomatic event [1][3]. However, the residents of Cotswolds expressed their displeasure at Vance’s presence in a protest event, with slogans like "Go home!" and "JD Vance, be ashamed!" being displayed at the "Not Welcome Party" for Vance [1].
Around a hundred people in the town of Charlbury held the protest event [1]. It is not clear whether this was related to the fishing incident or the diplomatic talks. The Foreign Office stated that Lammy wrote to the environmental agency regarding an administrative oversight [3].
It remains unclear whether Lammy will face a fine for fishing without a license, as fishing licenses are mandatory for anyone aged 13 or over in the UK [4]. The diplomatic event at Chevening House last week involving fishing is no longer the focus of controversy, as the necessary licenses have been obtained [2].
References:
- The Guardian. (2025, August 10). JD Vance's UK visit overshadowed by fishing license controversy. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/10/jd-vance-uk-visit-overshadowed-by-fishing-license-controversy
- BBC News. (2025, August 12). JD Vance's UK visit focuses on diplomatic talks amid international crises. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59254197
- The Independent. (2025, August 15). JD Vance's UK visit: Protests, diplomatic talks, and a fishing license controversy. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/jd-vance-uk-visit-protests-diplomatic-talks-fishing-license-controversy-b1978386.html
- GOV.UK. (n.d.). Fishing Licences. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fishing-licences
- Despite the focus shifting from the fishing incident during the diplomatic event at Chevening House, the policy-and-legislation surrounding fishing licenses remains relevant, as fishing licenses are mandatory for anyone aged 13 or over in the UK.
- The incident involving British Foreign Secretary David Lammy fishing without a license during a diplomatic visit has opened discussions in general-news and crime-and-justice circles, as it is still unclear whether he will face a fine or further consequences for this oversight.
