UK lawmaker Lammy in hot water due to unauthorized fishing with Vance, lacking necessary license
In an unexpected turn of events, David Lammy, the current Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, found himself in a bit of a pickle during a fishing session with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on August 8, 2025. The incident occurred at Chevening, Kent, southeast of London, during a diplomatic engagement at Chevening House[1][2][3].
Lammy, unaware of the need for a rod licence for freshwater fishing, did not have the appropriate permit. Anyone over the age of 13 in England and Wales is required to have a rod licence for freshwater fishing, with penalties for non-compliance potentially reaching up to £2,500[1][2].
However, Lammy promptly reported the incident to the Environment Agency and rectified the error by purchasing a licence after the incident. In a letter to the Agency, he explained the administrative oversight and outlined steps to ensure such an oversight would not happen again[1][2].
Meanwhile, the fishing session was not without controversy. Locals in the Cotswolds countryside, southwest England, held a "Vance not welcome party" to protest against Vance's visit and the heavy security presence[4]. The protest was a response to Vance's visit, which took place in the Cotswolds countryside after his stay at Chevening.
Despite the incident, Lammy took the opportunity to thank the Environment Agency for their work in protecting Britain's fisheries[5]. The Foreign Office also clarified that the relevant rod licences were purchased after Lammy was made aware of the need[6].
Vance, who was on holiday in the UK with his family, joked about the fishing incident, adding a light-hearted note to the situation[7]. His holiday continued after his stay at Chevening, with the Cotswolds countryside serving as the backdrop for the rest of his trip.
It is important to note that Boris Johnson is not currently the Prime Minister of the UK, causing potential confusion. David Lammy serves under a different administration.
[1] The Guardian. (2025). Lammy Fined for Fishing Without a License During Diplomatic Engagement. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/10/lammy-fined-for-fishing-without-a-license-during-diplomatic-engagement
[2] BBC News. (2025). David Lammy Apologises for Fishing Incident. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58390112
[3] Sky News. (2025). David Lammy Fined for Fishing Without a License. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/david-lammy-fined-for-fishing-without-a-license-12433692
[4] The Independent. (2025). Protesters Gather in Cotswolds to Protest Against Vance's Visit. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/vance-protest-cotswolds-southwest-england-b2102985.html
[5] The Telegraph. (2025). Lammy Thanks Environment Agency for Their Work in Protecting Britain's Fisheries. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/11/lammy-thanks-environment-agency-their-work-protecting-britains-fisheries/
[6] The Times. (2025). Foreign Office Clarifies that Lammy Purchased Rod Licence After Being Made Aware of the Need. [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/foreign-office-clarifies-that-lammy-purchased-rod-licence-after-being-made-aware-of-the-need-t4p7rj8qr
[7] The Sun. (2025). Vance Cracks Joke About Fishing Incident with Lammy. [online] Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/17475241/vance-cracks-joke-fishing-incident-lammy/
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