Wasn’t me! Hookem denies punching UKIP colleague in “altercation”
UKIP MEP Mike Hookem has denied throwing any punches at colleague, Steven Wolfe, inn what has been described as an “altercation”.
Steven Wolfe, was allegedly knocked out by colleague Mike Hookem during an “altercation” that left him hospitalised.
In an interview with the BBC Mr Hookem said: “there was no punches thrown, there was no face slapping, there was no digs, there was nothing.”
According to Mr Hookem, it was in fact Mr Wolfe that initiated the “scuffle” and he was merely defending himself.
Mr Wolfe was videoed sprawled on the floor of the Strasbourg parliament and is reported to have had two “epileptic like fits” before being rushed to hospital, where he received a CT scan.
In a statement Mr Wolfe said “I would like everyone to know that the parliamentary staff, the UKIP MEPs with me and hospital staff have been brilliant. Their care has been exceptional. I am sitting up, and said to be looking well. The only consequence at the moment is a bit of numbness on the left hand side of my face.”
Though no blood clots in the brain were picked up by scans, as a precaution he will be staying overnight at the hospital.
An investigation has now been launched into the “scuffle” by the European Parliament to get to the route of the cause. In the meantime both MEPs have had their expenses cut and are suspended from voting.
Speaking to the Parliament today, it’s President, Martin Schulz said “It goes without saying that disrespectful and violent behaviour does not have a place in the European Parliament.”
The timing of the “altercation” does not fit well for UKIP who have lost Diane James as their leader after only 18 days in the job, making Nigel Farage leader once again on a technicality. This latest “altercation” appears to be another symptom of the major conflict within the UKIP party.
Indeed, UKIP’s existence owes itself to the UK being in the EU, now that we are no longer in the EU, one shouldn’t wonder whether the party will dissolve, but how bloody its demise will be.
