Unauthorized fishing outing by the American Vice President and the British Minister, sans fishing licenses
US Vice President JD Vance and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy found themselves in a minor controversy during a fishing trip in England on August 8. The incident, which took place during Vance's vacation in the Cotswolds countryside, has attracted attention due to the high-profile participants.
The fishing session was part of a diplomatic engagement at Chevening House, a residence in Kent, south of London. During the trip, Vance shared his Kentucky-style fishing tips, but neither he nor Lammy managed to catch any fish.
According to the Environment Agency's rules, anyone aged 13 or over must have a fishing license to fish in freshwater in England and Wales. David Lammy was issued a written warning for fishing without a license, but he subsequently purchased a license retroactively to rectify the administrative oversight.
The Environment Agency confirmed Lammy's warning publicly because he reported it himself. The offense could have resulted in a fine up to £2,500 (about $3,380 to nearly $4,000), but Lammy was only issued a warning, typical for inexperienced anglers caught without a license.
The Environment Agency did not disclose whether JD Vance had a fishing license, citing data protection rules, and Vance’s office did not provide a comment in response to inquiries.
The incident has sparked a local protest, with around 60 residents organizing an 'unwelcome' party to voice their displeasure at the disruption caused by Vance's visit. It is not mentioned if David Lammy was present during the protest.
This minor legal incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with local regulations even during informal diplomatic activities. Lammy’s prompt self-reporting and purchase of a license likely mitigated potential political or legal fallout. The episode has received media coverage, emphasizing both the lighthearted nature of the event and the strict regulations around fishing licenses in the UK.
Several videos of JD Vance's stay in the English countryside have been circulating, including footage of his arrival accompanied by a convoy of around 20 vehicles and motorcycles.
The fishing session, part of a diplomatic engagement, unexpectedly involved politics as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy was issued a written warning for fishing without a license, but later rectified the issue by purchasing a retroactive license. However, the Environment Agency did not disclose whether US Vice President JD Vance had a fishing license, sparking general-news discussions about crime-and-justice related to fishing regulations.
