The unlikely bond between JD Vance and David Lammy

Kate Whannel, a political reporter, shares the story of how US Vice President JD Vance is spending his holiday in the UK. The trip includes visits to various locations such as the Cotswolds, Scotland, and a few days staying at Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s Chevening House in Kent. Despite their different backgrounds and political ideologies, Lammy and Vance have developed a close friendship.

During their stay at Chevening, Vance and Lammy enjoyed fishing on the property’s 3,000 acres of land, complete with a maze and lake. Vance jokingly mentioned that the fishing put a “strain on the special relationship,” with his children catching carp while Lammy came away empty-handed. Lammy warmly welcomed Vance and his family to Chevening, describing it as his home, although strictly speaking, the 17th-century manor house belongs to the nation.

Their friendship blossomed after an initial meeting in Washington DC. Both men, who come from different political spectrums, bonded over their shared backgrounds of experiencing dysfunctional childhoods. Despite their revised opinions on Donald Trump, personal relationships play a significant role in politics, particularly under the current administration. The friendship between Lammy and Vance has the potential to bridge gaps between different political factions and countries.

Vance’s visit also includes meetings with other UK politicians, such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage. In addition to political engagements, Vance plans to explore the Cotswolds, attracting wealthy Americans seeking a blend of countryside charm and glamour. The possibility of an encounter with broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson adds an element of intrigue to Vance’s UK visit, where unexpected friendships seem to be as fashionable as the picturesque Cotswolds scenery

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