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Jeremy Corbyn to continue Labour shadow cabinet reshuffle - live Ukip's Mike Hookem speaks on Steven Woolfe 'altercation' - live
(35 minutes later)
1.05pm BST
13:05
Ukip tussle with Woolfe was 'handbags at dawn' - Hookem
Peter Walker
Mike Hookem has used his first interview since tussle that ended with his Ukip colleague in hospital to categorically deny throwing a punch at him.
The MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire told BBC Radio Humberside that the altercation was nothing more than a scuffle, with no meaningful blows dealt on either side.
There was no punches thrown, there was no face slap, there was no digs; there was nothing. It was what people in Hull term ‘handbags at dawn’ - a bit of a scuffle
According to Hookem, the pair were attending a meeting of Ukip MEPs called to discuss Woolfe’s mooted defection to the Tories. The row began as Woolfe tried to lay the blame for his being barred from the Ukip leadership election on the party’s NEC, Hookem said.
I then said, ‘no, I’m sorry, you were to blame – you never got your paperwork in. You had 20 days to do it, you never did it. You are to blame and you need to stop blaming the party and the NEC’. He then took exception to that. He then stood up, in front of everybody, and said across the room to me, ‘Well, if it’s that, then let’s take it outside of the room, mano a mano’. As he’s leaving the room he’s taking his jacket off to go outside.
Hookem says he followed Woolfe into a small anteroom, although they went in by different doors. “When I walked in, he approached me to attack me. He came at me, I defended myself,” Hookem said. During the altercation, which Hookem described as “still stood up but wrestling”, a door was opened by another Ukip MEP. At that point, Hookem said, he let go of Woolfe.
“I at that point was not holding him, I didn’t push him. He fell back into that room on to an MEP that was just inside that room,” Hookem said. He added:
He fell back into the room, some of the MEPs helped him up. He stood straight up. There was no indication of him hitting his head on metal windows or anything else. He fell back on to an MEP. Once he’d stood up he said, ‘All I’d wanted to do was to go outside to discuss it with you.’ But one of my other colleagues said, ‘No, I’m sorry Steven, you said let’s go out mano and mano, and was taking your jacket off at the same time.’ That MEP backed me up on what happened.
Updated
at 1.09pm BST
12.39pm BST
12:39
Mike Hookem, the Ukip MEP accused of punching Steven Woolfe, has given his first interview since the news of the alleged fight to the BBC.
Mike Hookem telling BBC Steven Woolfe told him to go outside and settle argument 'mano a mano'
More details to come...
12.03pm BST12.03pm BST
12:0312:03
Midday SummaryMidday Summary
11.46am BST11.46am BST
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My thanks to my colleague Harriet Sherwood, the Guardian’s religious correspondent, who has sent me this rather strongly-worded comment from the Board of Deputies of British Jews on the appointment of Shami Chakrabarti to shadow attorney general.My thanks to my colleague Harriet Sherwood, the Guardian’s religious correspondent, who has sent me this rather strongly-worded comment from the Board of Deputies of British Jews on the appointment of Shami Chakrabarti to shadow attorney general.
Calling the Charkabarti Report into antisemitism in the Labour Party a “whitewash”, it states that she has “sold out the Jewish community”.Calling the Charkabarti Report into antisemitism in the Labour Party a “whitewash”, it states that she has “sold out the Jewish community”.
Board of Deputies Vice President Marie van der Zyl has reacted with “disappointment” to the appointment “only months after she presided over the Charkabarti Report into antisemitism in the Labour Party”, said the statement:Board of Deputies Vice President Marie van der Zyl has reacted with “disappointment” to the appointment “only months after she presided over the Charkabarti Report into antisemitism in the Labour Party”, said the statement:
We are disappointed, but sadly unsurprised, that once again Shami Chakrabarti and Jeremy Corbyn have spectacularly undermined her so-called ‘independent’ report.We are disappointed, but sadly unsurprised, that once again Shami Chakrabarti and Jeremy Corbyn have spectacularly undermined her so-called ‘independent’ report.
We hoped her report would be a potent weapon in the fight against antisemitism.We hoped her report would be a potent weapon in the fight against antisemitism.
It now looks increasingly like the whitewash was a job application.It now looks increasingly like the whitewash was a job application.
She has sold out the Jewish community.She has sold out the Jewish community.
11.38am BST11.38am BST
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I have asked @Europarl_EN Advisory Committee to urgently investigate incident involving MEP @Steven_Woolfe https://t.co/2dJV9KAh6oI have asked @Europarl_EN Advisory Committee to urgently investigate incident involving MEP @Steven_Woolfe https://t.co/2dJV9KAh6o
News from Europe, president of the European parliament Martin Schulz has launched an urgent investigation into the Ukip “incident”, saying that “disrespectful and violent behaviour” had no place in the parliament.News from Europe, president of the European parliament Martin Schulz has launched an urgent investigation into the Ukip “incident”, saying that “disrespectful and violent behaviour” had no place in the parliament.
If the MEPs have been found to breach the parliament’s rules of conduct, they could be fined or even suspended.If the MEPs have been found to breach the parliament’s rules of conduct, they could be fined or even suspended.
Woolfe apparently has no plans to refer the incident to police.Woolfe apparently has no plans to refer the incident to police.
In a statement Schulz said:In a statement Schulz said:
I would first of all like to wish a speedy recovery to Steven Woolfe, MEP, who is currently hospitalised. I also heartily thank the Parliament’s staff and medical service which provided the first aid as well as the French medical services which have subsequently been caring for him.I would first of all like to wish a speedy recovery to Steven Woolfe, MEP, who is currently hospitalised. I also heartily thank the Parliament’s staff and medical service which provided the first aid as well as the French medical services which have subsequently been caring for him.
The reported facts are extremely serious. It goes without saying that disrespectful and violent behaviour does not have a place in the European Parliament. Moreover, indulging in this kind of conduct might result in a breach of Rule 11 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedures and of Article 1 of the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Parliament.The reported facts are extremely serious. It goes without saying that disrespectful and violent behaviour does not have a place in the European Parliament. Moreover, indulging in this kind of conduct might result in a breach of Rule 11 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedures and of Article 1 of the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Parliament.
As a consequence, and regardless of the possible judicial consequences that this incident may also have, I have decided today to refer this very regrettable matter to the Advisory Committee established by the Code of Conduct, and asked for it to be dealt with as a matter of urgency next week.As a consequence, and regardless of the possible judicial consequences that this incident may also have, I have decided today to refer this very regrettable matter to the Advisory Committee established by the Code of Conduct, and asked for it to be dealt with as a matter of urgency next week.
11.24am BST11.24am BST
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According to our team in the lobby Jonathan Ashworth, Labour and Co-operative party MP for Leicester South, is thought to be considering accepting the position of shadow health secretary in return for losing his seat on the national executive committee, which would tip the balance of Labour’s governing board back towards Corbyn.According to our team in the lobby Jonathan Ashworth, Labour and Co-operative party MP for Leicester South, is thought to be considering accepting the position of shadow health secretary in return for losing his seat on the national executive committee, which would tip the balance of Labour’s governing board back towards Corbyn.
Dan Hodges, political commentator at the Mail on Sunday has tweeted:Dan Hodges, political commentator at the Mail on Sunday has tweeted:
Told Jon Ashworth has been offered shadow health secretary in return for giving up his NEC seat.Told Jon Ashworth has been offered shadow health secretary in return for giving up his NEC seat.
Jon Ashworth had previously told colleagues he was only remaining in shad cab to protect NEC seat for moderates.Jon Ashworth had previously told colleagues he was only remaining in shad cab to protect NEC seat for moderates.
11.20am BST11.20am BST
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Thank you. Clearly my pledge stands, but it's not the story (or shouldn't be). This is about preventing Govt making a catastrophic decision https://t.co/3GhVxHQ60YThank you. Clearly my pledge stands, but it's not the story (or shouldn't be). This is about preventing Govt making a catastrophic decision https://t.co/3GhVxHQ60Y
Away from the reshuffle and various Ukip shenanigans Conservative MP and former London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith has been speaking this morning, and has confirmed that he will stand down as an MP if a third runway is built at Heathrow and urged the government not to make “a catastrophic decision”.Away from the reshuffle and various Ukip shenanigans Conservative MP and former London mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith has been speaking this morning, and has confirmed that he will stand down as an MP if a third runway is built at Heathrow and urged the government not to make “a catastrophic decision”.
It is thought that the Government is set to back a third runway in the coming weeks, ending years of rowing about airport expansion.It is thought that the Government is set to back a third runway in the coming weeks, ending years of rowing about airport expansion.
Goldsmith, the MP for Richmond, has been one of the leading figures against Heathrow expansion.Goldsmith, the MP for Richmond, has been one of the leading figures against Heathrow expansion.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he said:Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he said:
My position is the same as it was nine years ago.My position is the same as it was nine years ago.
I promised my constituents before I was ever elected in 2010 that I would trigger a by-election were the Government to give a green light to Heathrow expansion. My position has never changed.I promised my constituents before I was ever elected in 2010 that I would trigger a by-election were the Government to give a green light to Heathrow expansion. My position has never changed.
I’m committed to my constituents, I’m committed to fighting this campaign and I’m committed to winning this campaign - and I have every confident that will happen.I’m committed to my constituents, I’m committed to fighting this campaign and I’m committed to winning this campaign - and I have every confident that will happen.
There are huge question marks about whether a third runway could even be delivered, irrespective of the Government’s decision in the next week, two weeks, three weeks or so.There are huge question marks about whether a third runway could even be delivered, irrespective of the Government’s decision in the next week, two weeks, three weeks or so.
The legal risks are immense. You’ve got the councils under the flight path lining up with big cheque books waiting to challenge these proposals.The legal risks are immense. You’ve got the councils under the flight path lining up with big cheque books waiting to challenge these proposals.
There are huge planning risks, there are financial risks.There are huge planning risks, there are financial risks.
Heathrow is massively over leveraged already, there is no prospect of their being able to raise the finance necessary to deliver this project without turning to the taxpayer.Heathrow is massively over leveraged already, there is no prospect of their being able to raise the finance necessary to deliver this project without turning to the taxpayer.
Whatever the Government decides, this project is not going to happen. In five years’ time, 10 years’ time, we’ll still be arguing about it.Whatever the Government decides, this project is not going to happen. In five years’ time, 10 years’ time, we’ll still be arguing about it.
11.15am BST11.15am BST
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Quite a few readers have picked up on the scale of Ukip’s victory in Hartlepool with magnoliaboulevard noting:Quite a few readers have picked up on the scale of Ukip’s victory in Hartlepool with magnoliaboulevard noting:
Staggering, almost unbelievable result from Hartlepool (North East England Labour Party heartland for overseas readers unfamiliar with UK political geography:Staggering, almost unbelievable result from Hartlepool (North East England Labour Party heartland for overseas readers unfamiliar with UK political geography:
Headland & Harbour (Hartlepool) Local council election result:Headland & Harbour (Hartlepool) Local council election result:
UKIP: 49.2% (+49.2)UKIP: 49.2% (+49.2)
BloodAndBandages has pointed out the win in Bolton:BloodAndBandages has pointed out the win in Bolton:
Labour held Rumworth Ward Council by election yesterday in Bolton. Increased majority. Up 4.6%.Labour held Rumworth Ward Council by election yesterday in Bolton. Increased majority. Up 4.6%.
While Roger Higgins, has pointed out that the turnout in Hartlepool was low:While Roger Higgins, has pointed out that the turnout in Hartlepool was low:
On a 17.9% turnout so not really the landslide you believe it implies.On a 17.9% turnout so not really the landslide you believe it implies.
11.05am BST11.05am BST
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Here is MEP Nathan Gill speaking outside the Strasbourg hospital about Steven Woolfe.Here is MEP Nathan Gill speaking outside the Strasbourg hospital about Steven Woolfe.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.22pm BSTat 12.22pm BST
10.36am BST10.36am BST
10:3610:36
My colleague Nadia Khomami has just provided this up-to-date list of the Labour shadow cabinet as it stands:My colleague Nadia Khomami has just provided this up-to-date list of the Labour shadow cabinet as it stands:
ININ
Shami Chakrabarti – promoted to shadow attorney general – ex-Liberty directorShami Chakrabarti – promoted to shadow attorney general – ex-Liberty director
Jo Stevens – promoted to shadow welsh secretary – MP for Cardiff CentralJo Stevens – promoted to shadow welsh secretary – MP for Cardiff Central
Keir Starmer – promoted to shadow brexit secretary – MP for Holborn and St PancrasKeir Starmer – promoted to shadow brexit secretary – MP for Holborn and St Pancras
Jonathan Reynolds – promoted to shadow economic secretary – MP for Stalybridge and HydeJonathan Reynolds – promoted to shadow economic secretary – MP for Stalybridge and Hyde
Dawn Butler – promoted to shadow minister for black and minority ethnic communities – MP for Brent CentralDawn Butler – promoted to shadow minister for black and minority ethnic communities – MP for Brent Central
Nick Brown – promoted to opposition chief whip – MP for Newcastle upon Tyne EastNick Brown – promoted to opposition chief whip – MP for Newcastle upon Tyne East
Nia Griffith – promoted to shadow defence secretary – MP for LlanelliNia Griffith – promoted to shadow defence secretary – MP for Llanelli
Sarah Champion – promoted to shadow minister for women and equalities – MP for RotherhamSarah Champion – promoted to shadow minister for women and equalities – MP for Rotherham
REMAININGREMAINING
Dianne Abbot – promoted to shadow home secretary (was shadow health secretary) – MP for Hackney North and Stoke NewingtonDianne Abbot – promoted to shadow home secretary (was shadow health secretary) – MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington
Clive Lewis – shadow business secretary (removed from defence, replacing Jon Trickett) – MP for Norwich SouthClive Lewis – shadow business secretary (removed from defence, replacing Jon Trickett) – MP for Norwich South
Emily Thornberry – shadow foreign secretary – MP for Islington South and FinsburyEmily Thornberry – shadow foreign secretary – MP for Islington South and Finsbury
Barry Gardiner – shadow international trade secretary & energy minister – MP for Brent northBarry Gardiner – shadow international trade secretary & energy minister – MP for Brent north
John McDonnell – shadow chancellor – MP for Hayes and HarlingtonJohn McDonnell – shadow chancellor – MP for Hayes and Harlington
Tom Watson – deputy leader – MP for West Bromwich EastTom Watson – deputy leader – MP for West Bromwich East
Jon Trickett – shadow lord president of the council and national campaigns co-ordinator – MP for HemsworthJon Trickett – shadow lord president of the council and national campaigns co-ordinator – MP for Hemsworth
Rachael Maskell – shadow environment secretary – MP for York CentralRachael Maskell – shadow environment secretary – MP for York Central
Rebecca Long-Bailey – shadow chief secretary to treasury – MP for Salford and EcclesRebecca Long-Bailey – shadow chief secretary to treasury – MP for Salford and Eccles
Cat Smith – shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs – MP for Lancaster and FleetwoodCat Smith – shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs – MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood
Angela Smith – shadow leader of the house of lordsAngela Smith – shadow leader of the house of lords
Richard Burgon – shadow justice secretary – MP for Leeds EastRichard Burgon – shadow justice secretary – MP for Leeds East
Kate Osamor – shadow secretary for international development – MP for EdmontonKate Osamor – shadow secretary for international development – MP for Edmonton
Angela Rayner – shadow education secretary – MP for Ashton-under-LyneAngela Rayner – shadow education secretary – MP for Ashton-under-Lyne
Lord Bassam – house of lords chief whipLord Bassam – house of lords chief whip
Andy McDonald – shadow transport secretary – MP for MiddlesboroughAndy McDonald – shadow transport secretary – MP for Middlesborough
Grahame Morris – shadow secretary of state for communities and local government – MP for EasingtonGrahame Morris – shadow secretary of state for communities and local government – MP for Easington
Kelvin Hopkins – shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport – MP for Luton NorthKelvin Hopkins – shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport – MP for Luton North
Jonathan Ashworth – shadow minister without portfolio – MP for Leicester SouthJonathan Ashworth – shadow minister without portfolio – MP for Leicester South
David Anderson – shadow secretary of state for northern ireland & Scotland – MP for BlaydonDavid Anderson – shadow secretary of state for northern ireland & Scotland – MP for Blaydon
Paul Flynn – shadow leader of the house (removed as shadow welsh secretary) – MP for Newport WestPaul Flynn – shadow leader of the house (removed as shadow welsh secretary) – MP for Newport West
Debbie Abrahams – shadow work and pensions secretary – MP for Oldham East and SaddleworthDebbie Abrahams – shadow work and pensions secretary – MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth
OUTOUT
Dame Rosie Winterton – out as chief whip – MP for Doncaster CentralDame Rosie Winterton – out as chief whip – MP for Doncaster Central
10.28am BST10.28am BST
10:2810:28
Headland & Harbour (Hartlepool) result:UKIP: 49.2% (+49.2)LAB: 25.3% (-17.7)PHF: 15.4% (-20.3)CON: 4.1% (-14.0)PNP: 3.6%IND: 2.6%Headland & Harbour (Hartlepool) result:UKIP: 49.2% (+49.2)LAB: 25.3% (-17.7)PHF: 15.4% (-20.3)CON: 4.1% (-14.0)PNP: 3.6%IND: 2.6%
Meanwhile, away from the fray, Ukip’s leadership woes and troubles in Strasbourg appeared to have little impact at the ballot box. The party won a Hartlepool council by-election with almost 50% of the vote on Thursday. The SNP also took Glasgow City Council seat from Labour.Meanwhile, away from the fray, Ukip’s leadership woes and troubles in Strasbourg appeared to have little impact at the ballot box. The party won a Hartlepool council by-election with almost 50% of the vote on Thursday. The SNP also took Glasgow City Council seat from Labour.
This from the Press Association:This from the Press Association:
Ukip took a council seat from Labour in the latest local by-elections despite its current leadership crisis and news of an altercation among its MEPs.Ukip took a council seat from Labour in the latest local by-elections despite its current leadership crisis and news of an altercation among its MEPs.
Meanwhile north of the border, the SNP continued its advances in former Labour strongholds by gaining a Glasgow City Council seat from the party.Meanwhile north of the border, the SNP continued its advances in former Labour strongholds by gaining a Glasgow City Council seat from the party.
The Ukip victory came at Hartlepool in a contest in the Headland & Harbour ward following the resignation of a Labour councillor.The Ukip victory came at Hartlepool in a contest in the Headland & Harbour ward following the resignation of a Labour councillor.
Voting was: Ukip 496, Lab 255, Putting Hartlepool First 155, C 41, Patients Not Profit 36, Ind 26.Voting was: Ukip 496, Lab 255, Putting Hartlepool First 155, C 41, Patients Not Profit 36, Ind 26.
The turnout was low at 17.8%. Ukip had not contested the seat in the previous election in 2014.The turnout was low at 17.8%. Ukip had not contested the seat in the previous election in 2014.
The SNP gain was in Glasgow’s Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward in a by-election following the death of a Labour councillor.The SNP gain was in Glasgow’s Garscadden/Scotstounhill ward in a by-election following the death of a Labour councillor.
First-preference voting was: SNP 2,135, Lab 1,944, C 510, Green 242, LD 97, Ukip 83. Turnout was 23.8%.First-preference voting was: SNP 2,135, Lab 1,944, C 510, Green 242, LD 97, Ukip 83. Turnout was 23.8%.
In other contests, Labour rebuffed challenges from Plaid Cymru to hold two seats at Caerphilly, in the Gilfach and Risca East divisions. Labour also overwhelmingly held a seat at Bolton (Rumworth ward).In other contests, Labour rebuffed challenges from Plaid Cymru to hold two seats at Caerphilly, in the Gilfach and Risca East divisions. Labour also overwhelmingly held a seat at Bolton (Rumworth ward).
Conservatives held a seat at East Devon (Exmouth Brixington).Conservatives held a seat at East Devon (Exmouth Brixington).
:: Results due later from by-elections at: Highland Council (Culloden & Ardersier) following the death of a Labour councillor; and Basingstoke & Deane (Basing) following the resignation of a Conservative councillor.:: Results due later from by-elections at: Highland Council (Culloden & Ardersier) following the death of a Labour councillor; and Basingstoke & Deane (Basing) following the resignation of a Conservative councillor.
10.21am BST10.21am BST
10:2110:21
Nathan Gill MEP reveals STEPHEN Woolfe being kept in hospital until Sunday. Says he has "reached out" to Mike Hookem. pic.twitter.com/DUOwqwt8fLNathan Gill MEP reveals STEPHEN Woolfe being kept in hospital until Sunday. Says he has "reached out" to Mike Hookem. pic.twitter.com/DUOwqwt8fL
Gill said Woolfe has been moved to the neurological department “as a precautionary measure”, and will remain in the hospital for 48 hours.Gill said Woolfe has been moved to the neurological department “as a precautionary measure”, and will remain in the hospital for 48 hours.
“Now Steven has this morning reached out the hand of friendship to Mr Hookem, to Mike, and has realised that things did go too far in the MEP meeting.”“Now Steven has this morning reached out the hand of friendship to Mr Hookem, to Mike, and has realised that things did go too far in the MEP meeting.”
The “hand of friendship” had was offered in an email, he said. He did not comment on whether Hookem had gripped said hand.The “hand of friendship” had was offered in an email, he said. He did not comment on whether Hookem had gripped said hand.
Gill insisted there was no danger to Woolfe’s health “even though it was at one stage touch and go”. He would not give any details of what actually happened in The Meeting. Asked if Ukip could recover from this most recent crisis, he said the party has “teflon” qualities.Gill insisted there was no danger to Woolfe’s health “even though it was at one stage touch and go”. He would not give any details of what actually happened in The Meeting. Asked if Ukip could recover from this most recent crisis, he said the party has “teflon” qualities.