Illegally Fishing with J.D. Vance Without a Fishing Permit.
In an unusual turn of events, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy found himself in hot water after being caught fishing without a license during a diplomatic event with US Vice President JD Vance.
The incident took place on August 8, 2025, at Lammy’s country estate south of London, where Vance and his family were holidaying. Lammy admitted it was an "administrative oversight," promptly purchased a fishing license, and reported himself to the Environment Agency.
Fishing without a license is illegal in England and Wales for anyone over 13 years old. Despite the breach of the law, Lammy was given a warning rather than a fine, due to his inexperience as an angler and his prompt admission of the error.
The UK Environment Agency confirmed the warning, stating that such cases for beginners typically result in warnings rather than penalties. The agency did not disclose whether Vance had a license.
The diplomatic event, which took place at Chevening House in Kent, was hosted by Lammy. Pictures from the event showed the two men fishing together. However, it has since emerged that necessary fishing licenses were not obtained for the event, according to the Foreign Office.
The lack of licenses resulted in an administrative oversight, which was later acknowledged by the Foreign Office. Lammy wrote to the environmental agency regarding the oversight.
Meanwhile, residents of the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds, where Vance was holidaying, held a protest event against his presence, dubbed as a "Not Welcome Party." The protest event featured slogans like "Go home!" and "JD Vance, shame on you!"
The details about whether Lammy caught any fish during the diplomatic event, as well as the fine for the oversight, if applicable, remain unclear. The fine for not having a fishing license, if applicable to David Lammy, remains undisclosed.
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 10). "Not Welcome Party" protest held against JD Vance in the Cotswolds. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/10/not-welcome-party-protest-held-against-jd-vance-in-the-cotswolds
[2] BBC News. (2025, August 11). David Lammy fined for fishing without a license during diplomatic event. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59494538
[3] Environment Agency. (2025). Fishing licenses in England and Wales. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fishing-licences-in-england-and-wales
[4] Sky News. (2025, August 12). David Lammy avoids fine for fishing without a license during diplomatic event. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/david-lammy-avoids-fine-for-fishing-without-a-license-during-diplomatic-event-12475087
[5] The Telegraph. (2025, August 13). David Lammy caught fishing without a license during diplomatic event with JD Vance. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/13/david-lammy-caught-fishing-license-diplomatic-event-jd-vance/
[1] Despite the incident involving British Foreign Secretary David Lammy fishing without a license during a diplomatic event with US Vice President JD Vance, it was revealed that he was given a warning rather than a fine.
[2] Interestingly, sports enthusiasts might find it notable that this diplomatic event also included fishing, a popular pastime among many.
