Vance & Lammy unpack Gaza, fish as US VP kicks off UK holiday

Lammy and Vance Take a Fishing Break in Chevening

British foreign minister David Lammy and US vice president J.D. Vance stepped away from politics for a day of carp fishing at Lammy’s country retreat in Chevening, Kent, just south of London.

Getting Down to Business

• While reeling in carp, the pair discussed the future of Gaza, noting the US has “no plans” to follow Britain in recognising a Palestinian state.
• Vance cautioned that any recognition would be complicated by Gaza’s lack of a functional government.
• He added that President Trump would likely respond to Israel’s plan to take military control of Gaza.
• The duo stressed that their primary aim is to prevent Hamas from targeting innocent people and to address humanitarian needs in Gaza.

War in Ukraine and International Summit

Before a potential summit next week between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two leaders also touched on the longer‑than‑three‑year‑old conflict in Ukraine.

A Warm Relationship Despite Politics

Lammy, a centre‑left Labour minister, and Vance, a Republican, share a close bond that stretches beyond party lines. They speak over shared Christian faith and their rough childhoods.

Personal Touches

• Lammy reportedly attended Mass at the vice president’s Washington residence in March.
• Vance described Lammy as a good friend and teased that his three young children out‑fished the British foreign secretary.
• He joked that the “special relationship” is strained because he’s caught more fish than the foreign secretary.

Upcoming Stay in Chevening

Vance is expected to stay in Chevening over the weekend. His family is likely to visit the Cotswolds region in the west of England, according to UK officials.

Reports also indicate Vance is scheduled to visit Scotland, where Trump spent five days at his golf resorts last month. During his stay, Vance signed a trade deal with European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen and met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Trump’s Golf and State Visit

Trump also played golf and opened a new 18‑hole course. He is due back in the UK for a state visit in September.