Foreign Secretary David Lammy has acknowledged that he lacked the required rod licence during a recent fishing excursion with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, attributing the oversight to an “administrative error.”
Lammy has since contacted the Environment Agency to inform them of the inadvertent infraction and has obtained the necessary fishing licence.
The Environment Agency stipulates that anglers in England and Wales aged 13 and over must possess a rod fishing licence to fish for freshwater species. Failure to comply can result in fines.
Reports indicate that the Foreign Secretary did not catch any fish during the angling session with the U.S. Vice-President at Chevening House in Kent last week.
The two officials engaged in carp fishing on a pond near the 17th-century residence before proceeding to discussions on Gaza and other pressing international matters during Vance’s family visit to the UK.
At the commencement of their meeting, Vice-President Vance quipped: “Unfortunately, the one strain on the special relationship is that all of my kids caught fish, but the foreign secretary did not.”
All fish caught during the outing were returned to the private lake.
Whether Vice-President Vance possessed a fishing licence remains unclear. The BBC has reached out to his spokesperson for clarification.
In a statement, the Foreign Office conveyed: “The Foreign Secretary has communicated with the Environment Agency regarding an administrative lapse wherein the necessary licences were not secured for fishing on a private lake as part of a diplomatic engagement at Chevening House last week.”
“Upon being made aware of the administrative oversight, the Foreign Secretary promptly acquired the appropriate rod fishing licences.”
“He has also written to the Environment Agency, informing them of the error, detailing its rectification, and expressing gratitude for their work in safeguarding Britain’s fisheries.”
A one-day licence for trout and coarse fishing is priced at £7.30.
Illegal fishing can lead to fines of up to £2,500, and offenders may also face the seizure of their fishing equipment.
In February, the Environment Agency reported that six anglers were found guilty of illegal fishing in London and were collectively fined £2,182.
At the time, Richard Tyner, area fisheries team leader at the Environment Agency, stated: “We conduct rod licence inspections 24/7 to identify instances of illegal fishing, and we will always prosecute those caught circumventing the system.”
“Illegal fishing compromises the Environment Agency’s efforts to conserve fish stocks and ensure sustainable fishing practices.”
The BBC has inquired with the Environment Agency regarding whether Mr. Lammy has been fined, but the agency has not provided a direct response.
The agency stated that all cases are thoroughly assessed based on their individual circumstances before any final enforcement decisions are made.
An Environment Agency spokesperson commented: “A fishing licence is required for everyone who engages in fishing to support the improvement of our rivers, lakes, and the sport enjoyed by anglers.”
“We understand that the relevant licences have now been acquired.”
The Environment Agency creek repairs are part of a wider plan to fix flood defences across the UK.
The council says it is turning the area into a “biodiversity hub”.
An environmental campaigner fears plans approved by the Environment Agency would harm rivers.
The Fish Health Inspectorate has put controls in place at Spring Lea Fishery following the outbreak.
The young swan got caught in a discarded fishing hook at Salford Quays and died from its injuries.