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During JD Vance’s visit to England, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy participated in a carp fishing trip at Chevening House without the required rod license. This made his participation technically illegal.
The Foreign Office stated that Lammy described this as an “administrative error” and had written to the British Environment Agency to notify them of the mistake. He also purchased the necessary licenses.
It is unclear whether JD Vance held a fishing license; Newsweek has reached out to his team for further information.
Why It Matters
This incident involves senior UK and US officials, raising questions about compliance with domestic laws during high-profile diplomatic engagements. Illegal freshwater fishing in England can result in fines of up to $3,394.76 and the seizure of equipment, making this a matter of public interest.
What to Know
Lammy hosted Vance and his family at Chevening House in Kent, southeastern England, for carp fishing from a private lake before diplomatic discussions earlier this month. Lammy admitted he lacked the rod fishing license during that time, describing it as an “administrative oversight.”
Fishing licenses cost $9.91 for a one-day period and are required to support river and lake conservation and angling activities. The Environment Agency did not confirm whether they would issue a fine to Lammy when contacted by the BBC, stating that enforcement decisions are case-specific.
All fish caught during the visit were returned to the water.
Vance’s next stop was at the Cotswolds, where approximately 50 protesters called him “despicable” and told him to “go home.” Vance is set to visit Scotland later.
AP
What People Are Saying
U.S. Vice President JD Vance joked: “Unfortunately, the one strain on the special relationship is that all of my kids caught fish, but the foreign secretary did not.”
The British Foreign Office spokesperson stated: “The foreign secretary has written to the Environment Agency about an administrative oversight that meant he lacked the appropriate licenses for fishing at a private lake during a diplomatic engagement at Chevening House last week. He purchased the relevant rod fishing licenses and notified the Environment Agency of the error, demonstrating how it would be rectified.”
The British Environment Agency said: “Everyone who goes fishing needs a license to help improve our rivers, lakes, and the sport anglers love.”
What Happens Next
If the Environment Agency decides to enforce penalties, the statutory maximum fine for illegal freshwater fishing in England and Wales is up to $3,394.76 and can include the seizure of equipment.
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