Foreign Secretary David Lammy has narrowly avoided a financial penalty after being discovered fishing without the required licence during a high-profile diplomatic engagement with US Senator JD Vance.
The incident occurred during what was intended to be a symbolic meeting on the River Tyne, designed to showcase the "special relationship" between the UK and United States. The Environment Agency confirmed that while Lammy was technically in breach of regulations, they would exercise discretion given the circumstances.
Diplomatic Fishing Trip Goes Awry
The fishing expedition, which took place during Senator Vance's visit to the UK, was meant to highlight shared interests and build rapport between the two politicians. However, it emerged that neither statesman had obtained the mandatory £6.05 daily fishing permit required for the stretch of river.
An Environment Agency spokesperson stated: "We can confirm that we spoke to two men fishing on the River Tyne. While they didn't have a licence, we're confident it was an honest mistake given the nature of the event."
Political Reactions and Protocol Questions
The revelation has raised questions about preparation and protocol surrounding high-level diplomatic meetings. Critics have questioned whether proper due diligence was conducted for what was clearly a staged political event.
Defenders of the Foreign Secretary have dismissed the incident as a minor administrative oversight, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the substantive discussions about UK-US relations that took place during Senator Vance's visit.
The Environment Agency typically imposes fines of up to £2,500 for fishing without a valid licence, but opted for a warning in this case, acknowledging the unique circumstances of the diplomatic engagement.
