The UK’s top diplomat recently encountered an unexpected issue following a fishing excursion with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, though the problem was unrelated to their political discussions.
On Friday, the UK’s Environment Agency issued a written warning to Foreign Secretary David Lammy for fishing without the necessary license.
Lammy had extended an invitation to Vance and his family to his country estate located south of London, where they participated in a photo opportunity by a local river.
During their visit, the two officials also conducted a bilateral meeting to address various international matters.
The agency clarified that a fishing license is mandatory for anyone over the age of 13 engaging in freshwater fishing within the country. Citing privacy concerns, the agency did not disclose whether Vice President Vance possessed a license.
Had a fine been issued, the foreign secretary faced a potential penalty of almost $4,000.
Lammy subsequently acquired a fishing license and self-reported the oversight to the agency; a spokesperson attributed the incident to an “administrative error.”
Earlier, Lammy informed reporters that Vance offered him “Kentucky-style” fishing advice, which nonetheless proved unhelpful in catching any fish.
“The sole point of contention in our special relationship is that while all my children caught fish, the foreign secretary did not,” Vance quipped during the event.
Digital has sought comments from both Vance and the Environment Agency.