Illegally Fishing with J.D. Vance, Unauthorized Catch
Controversial U.S. Vice President's Holiday in the Cotswolds Met with Local Protest
During his recent holiday in the picturesque Cotswolds, former Vice President under Donald Trump, JD Vance, found himself the centre of attention, not for the scenic beauty of the region, but for a protest against his visit.
The protest in the town of Charlbury, a notable expression of disapproval towards Vance, attracted around 100 participants. The event, dubbed the "Not Welcome Party", saw signs reading "Go home!" and "JD Vance, shame on you!" as residents voiced their displeasure.
Vance's political associations have made him a controversial figure, and this local opposition to his presence reflects a wider sentiment. The protest was reported by The Guardian, and it marked a notable event in the otherwise peaceful Cotswolds.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy found himself in a different kind of controversy, albeit one of a less political nature. During a diplomatic event with Vance on August 8, 2025, Lammy was issued a written warning for fishing without a license at his country estate.
Angling in England and Wales requires a fishing license for anyone over the age of 13, even on private land. Lammy admitted it was an "administrative oversight" and proactively informed the Environment Agency. Inexperienced anglers caught without licenses are typically issued warnings rather than fines.
The offense could have carried a maximum fine of £2,500 (approximately $3,380), but Lammy was spared due to his cooperation and prompt corrective action. The incident attracted public and media attention due to its diplomatic context, involving a prominent UK official and a senior U.S. politician. However, it appears to have had no direct diplomatic repercussions or strain on UK-US relations. Instead, it was treated as a minor breach of local fishing regulations without serious consequences.
In summary, the implications were mainly administrative and reputational rather than political, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance even in informal diplomatic settings. While Vance's holiday in the Cotswolds was met with local protest, Lammy's fishing mishap was a reminder of the need for adherence to local rules, even in the midst of diplomatic engagements.
[1] Environment Agency (2025). Fishing Regulations in England and Wales. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fishing-regulations-in-england-and-wales
[2] The Guardian (2025). Protesters in Charlbury Tell JD Vance to Go Home. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/10/protesters-in-charlbury-tell-jd-vance-to-go-home
[3] BBC News (2025). David Lammy Issued Written Warning for Fishing Without a License. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-50340592
[4] Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (2025). UK-US Relations Remain Strong Despite Fishing Incident. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-commonwealth-development/uk-us-relations-remain-strong-despite-fishing-incident
[5] The New York Times (2025). David Lammy's Fishing Mishap: A Diplomatic Blunder or Just an Administrative Oversight? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/world/europe/david-lammy-fishing-mishap.html
[1] Despite his recent fishing incident, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's political career remained unaffected, as the controversy was primarily administrative in nature.
[2] Meanwhile, the protests against JD Vance's visit to the Cotswolds provided a platform for general-news, crime-and-justice, and politics discussions, with the event attracting widespread attention.
