British Foreign Secretary David Lammy found himself in hot water recently when an innocent fishing trip with U.S. Vice President JD Vance resulted in a warning for fishing without a license. This news comes directly from an Environment Agency spokesperson.
Lammy, who has described the situation as an “administrative oversight”, was given a written warning. This relatively minor law violation, however, could have seen him facing a hefty fine of up to 2,500 pounds or $3,380. Lammy, addressing the situation, purchased a license post this incident and reported himself to the agency.
Lammy had hosted Vice President Vance and his family, vacationing in England, at his country estate south of London in early August. The pair, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere, shared laughs and fishing tips. Yet, it seems the Kentucky-style tips were not enough to help Lammy catch a fish, a fact humorously pointed out by Vance himself.
The Environment Agency declined to comment on whether Vice President Vance possessed a fishing license, citing data protection rules. The agency did, however, confirm that Lammy had indeed been issued a warning, due to the public nature of the incident.
In England and Wales, anyone over the age of 13 is required to possess a license for freshwater fishing. Typically, first-time offenders or inexperienced anglers are issued warnings, a silver lining for Lammy in this situation.
We are reminded that even seemingly innocuous activities involve rules and regulations that must be adhered to. This incident serves as a distinct reminder of the importance of staying informed.
