David Lammy given formal warning over lack of licence during fishing trip with JD Vance - but will avoid fine

The foreign secretary has been issued a formal warning by the Environment Agency after reporting himself for fishing with the US vice-president without a licence.

David Lammy reported himself to the agency after an "administrative oversight" meant he failed to get a rod licence while hosting JD Vance at his grace-and-favour retreat in Chevening, Kent, on 8 August.

Mr Lammy failed to catch any fish, although Mr Vance and his children were more successful, and returned their catches to the lake.

At the time, a Foreign Office spokesperson said that, after recognising his mistake, Mr Lammy had subsequently purchased a licence.

Anglers in England and Wales aged 13 or over must have a rod licence to fish for freshwater species. If they do not have one, they can face a fine of up to £2,500.

On Friday, an Environment Agency spokesperson confirmed Mr Lammy would not be prosecuted, but had received a formal warning.

They said: "Everyone who goes fishing needs a licence to help improve our rivers, lakes and the sport anglers love.

"As Mr Lammy has confirmed, we have issued a warning letter for fishing without a licence, in line with our enforcement and sanctions policy."

The agency's first response to a breach is usually to issue advice or a warning, instead of prosecuting, particularly in cases involving inexperienced anglers with no history of fishing without a licence.

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.

Read more from Sky News:
JD Vance warns about 'dark path'
Chevening: the ultimate ministerial perk
FBI raids home of former Trump adviser

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "The findings of the Environment Agency draw a line under this matter.

"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."

(c) Sky News 2025: David Lammy given formal warning over lack of licence during fishing trip with JD