Lammy in Hot Water Over Unlicensed Fishing Trip with US Vice President

August 13, 2025 05:19 PM
Lammy in Hot Water Over Unlicensed Fishing Trip with US Vice President

The UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has referred himself to the environment watchdog after an administrative blunder during a high-stakes diplomatic engagement with US Vice-President JD Vance. The incident occurred at Chevening House in Kent, Lammy's official residence, where he hosted Vance for a fishing outing that was intended to be a relaxed prelude to a series of crucial international meetings.

According to a spokesperson for the Foreign Office, Lammy failed to secure the necessary rod licence before hosting Vance. Fishing for freshwater species in England and Wales requires a valid rod licence for anyone aged 13 or over. "The foreign secretary has written to the Environment Agency over an administrative oversight that meant the appropriate licences had not been acquired for fishing on a private lake as part of a diplomatic engagement at Chevening House last week," the spokesperson said.

Lammy, who reportedly failed to catch any fish during the outing, took swift action upon realizing the error. He has since purchased the relevant licenses and notified the Environment Agency, outlining the steps taken to rectify the situation. The Foreign Office emphasized that Lammy's self-referral demonstrates his commitment to upholding the law.

The incident, while seemingly minor, comes at a politically sensitive time. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders are preparing for a summit with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine. Starmer's office has stressed the "unwavering" support for Ukraine and thanked Trump for his "efforts in bringing Putin to the table." Lammy's fishing mishap, therefore, risks an embarrassing distraction during a period of intense international diplomacy. The timing also coincides with a growing political crisis over the government's stance on mass protests in support of Palestine Action, which have strained the criminal justice system and led to questions about the legality of the ban on the group.

The revelation of Lammy's oversight has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a simple, human error, others are questioning the professionalism of the Foreign Office in its handling of diplomatic events. The opposition has yet to issue a formal statement, but the incident could provide an easy target for criticism. The self-referral to the environment watchdog, however, may preempt further political fallout by demonstrating accountability. The full implications of this administrative error on the political landscape remain to be seen, but it highlights the meticulous attention to detail required in all aspects of government, from international relations to local regulations.