Foreign Secretary Admits Fishing Licence Oversight Amid Diplomatic Engagement
The UK Foreign Secretary has acknowledged a lapse in securing necessary fishing licences during a diplomatic event at Chevening House last week, reports 24brussels. The minister clarified that he had purchased a one-day fishing licence just after realizing the oversight, which carries a minimum cost of £7.30 and can lead to fines as high as £2,500.
Following the incident, a Foreign Office spokesperson stated, “The foreign secretary has written to the Environment Agency over an administrative oversight that meant the appropriate licences had not been acquired for fishing on a private lake as part of a diplomatic engagement at Chevening House last week.” They further emphasized that the foreign secretary acted quickly to correct the mistake by acquiring the necessary rod fishing licences.
An Environment Agency representative reiterated the importance of licences for fishing activities, noting, “Everyone who goes fishing needs a licence to help improve our rivers, lakes and the sport anglers love,” and confirmed that the relevant licences have now been purchased.
Despite the oversight, the foreign secretary did not catch any fish during the event, though the children of Vance succeeded in their attempts. Vance humorously remarked that their catch was “unfortunately the one strain on the special relationship,” with all fish being successfully returned to the lake.
