JD Vance can’t help himself as he’s turned a fishing trip into a formal ‘warning’ for the UK Foreign Secretary – We Got This Covered

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has received a formal warning from the Environment Agency after fishing without a proper licence during a diplomatic visit with US Vice President JD Vance. The incident took place on August 8, 2025, at Chevening House, Lammy’s official country retreat in Kent, where he hosted Vance and his family for fishing activities.

The fishing trip was part of a broader diplomatic engagement as Vance began his family vacation in Britain. During their time at the 17th-century estate, the two leaders went carp fishing in a private lake before holding talks about international affairs, including discussions on Gaza and other global issues.

According to The Guardian, a Foreign Office spokesperson blamed the lack of proper documentation on an “administrative oversight” and confirmed that Lammy had subsequently purchased the required rod fishing licence. The minister also referred himself to the Environment Agency over the incident, demonstrating transparency in addressing the legal violation.

Environment Agency issues warning instead of prosecution

The Environment Agency confirmed on Friday that Lammy would not face prosecution but had received a formal warning letter. An agency spokesperson explained that everyone who goes fishing needs a licence to help improve rivers, lakes, and the sport that anglers love. The warning was issued in line with their enforcement and sanctions policy.

Under UK law, anglers in England and Wales aged 13 or over must have a rod licence to fish for freshwater species such as carp. Those who break the rules can face fines of up to $3,380 (£2,500) and, in some cases, receive a criminal record. The agency’s first response to a breach is usually to issue advice or a warning rather than launch a prosecution, particularly for inexperienced anglers with no history of fishing violations.

In 2024/25, 765 people were prosecuted for breaching fishing rules, while 1,965 received warning letters and 159 were issued with advice and guidance. Some British anglers have criticized the decision to issue only a warning, arguing that the Environment Agency should apply the law equally regardless of someone’s position.

Light-hearted moment despite legal troubles

Despite the legal complications, the fishing trip provided some diplomatic humor. Vance, who has been making headlines for various reasons, joked that the only strain on the US-British special relationship was that all of his children caught fish while the Foreign Secretary did not catch anything. All fish caught during the visit were returned to the private lake.

The Environment Agency would not comment on whether Vance had a fishing licence, citing data protection rules. The Vice President’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment about his licence status. The incident adds to a series of moments that have put Vance in the spotlight since becoming Trump’s running mate.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said the findings of the Environment Agency draw a line under this matter. They added that as soon as it became apparent there had been an administrative oversight, the Foreign Secretary wrote to the agency so it could consider appropriate action and to thank them for their work protecting Britain’s fisheries. He also bought the relevant rod licences to ensure there was no repeat of the situation in the future.