Ukip’s Neil Hamilton sparks anger over comments when Steven Woolfe was battling life-threatening injuries in hospital
NEIL Hamilton has provoked anger for suggesting Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe “picked a fight and came off worse” before he collapsed in the European Parliament.
The Ukip leader in the Welsh Assembly made the comments in an interview on Sky News this morning while Mr Woolfe was in hospital battling what at the time were thought to be life-threatening injuries.
NEIL Hamilton has provoked anger for suggesting Ukip MEP Steven Woolfe “picked a fight and came off worse” before he collapsed in the European Parliament.
The Ukip leader in the Welsh Assembly made the comments in an interview on Sky News this morning while it was thought Mr Woolfe had a bleed on the brain.
Mr Woolfe, the favourite to become the leader of Ukip following the shock resignation of Diane James yesterday, was allegedly punched by colleague Mike Hookem.
Mr Woolfe, the favourite to take over from Nigel Farage, suffered two “epileptic-like fits” after collapsing following the incident in Strasbourg during a meeting of the party’s MEPs this morning.
On Sky News today Mr Hamilton was asked if he had any information about what happened and he said: “I understand there was an argument between some MEPs and Steven, I think, picked a fight with one of them and came off worst.
"But that’s what I’ve heard second hand and remains to be seen what the full truth is.
“I don’t know what his current condition is – it’s obviously a serious matter if he’s been carted off to hospital with bleeding on the brain as I understand it."
His comments were blasted as being "despicable and heartless" and some people even called for him to be expelled from Ukip.
Interim leader Nigel Farage had said the Ukip immigration spokesman was in a “serious condition” after the incident, but then later said Mr Woolfe had regained consciousness.
The MEP released a statement saying he was "feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever" and does not have a blood clot on his brain as had been feared earlier today.
He was treated by paramedics after the incident in Strasbourg, where it is understood he banged his head on a metal bar after being punched.
The 49-year-old is being kept in hospital overnight as a precaution, after it was confirmed he lost consciousness and felt "numbness on the left hand side of his body".
The altercation took place after a "clear the air meeting" with his fellow Ukip MEPs in Strasbourg, who were unhappy about his admission he considered defecting to the Conservatives.
Sources say he was confronted by the party’s defence spokesman Mike Hookem, a 62-year-old former Royal Marines Commando.
Mr Woolfe, who is celebrating his birthday today, reportedly went to vote but then felt unwell and collapsed.
After reports his condition was "life-threatening", the married father-of-one's health has seemingly improved, and he has now released a statement from his hospital bed.
It reads: "The CT scan has shown that there is no blood clot in the brain. At the moment I am feeling brighter, happier, and smiling as ever.
“As a precaution, I am being kept in overnight awaiting secondary tests to make sure everything in fine.
“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. "
A spokeswoman for the national police in France said: "No one has called us about this incident and so we have no plans to investigate it at this time. If someone decides to ring and make a complaint, we will of course follow it up."
Fellow Ukip MEP Roger Helmer said: “I was at the meeting, there was a lively exchange of views, that’s not unusual I have to tell you.
“Someone mentioned there had been an altercation later but I didn’t see it. Obviously my thoughts are with Steven.”
A statement from Mr Farage earlier had said: “I deeply regret that following an altercation that took place at a meeting of Ukip MEPs this morning that Steven Woolfe subsequently collapsed and was taken to hospital.
“His condition is serious.”
He is now launching an inquiry into the incident.
Mr Woolfe, his party's migration spokesman, threw his hat into the ring to lead Ukip after Diane James sensationally stood down after just 18 days at the helm.
Fellow leadership rivals have already tweeted their reaction to the news and wished the 49-year-old MEP all the best.