November 29, 2016 3.23 pm This story is over 87 months old

North Lincolnshire UKIP MEP Mike Hookem party’s new fisheries spokesman

UKIP MEP for North and North East Lincolnshire Mike Hookem has been appointed the party’s new fisheries spokesman. Hookem, who was formerly the party’s spokesperson for defence, has been given the brief by new UKIP leader Paul Nuttall. On being appointed to the post, Hookem said: “The fishing industry was once the heart and soul…

UKIP MEP for North and North East Lincolnshire Mike Hookem has been appointed the party’s new fisheries spokesman.

Hookem, who was formerly the party’s spokesperson for defence, has been given the brief by new UKIP leader Paul Nuttall.

On being appointed to the post, Hookem said: “The fishing industry was once the heart and soul of the Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire coastal economy but was sold out on our joining the EEC in a last-minute deal.

“Today, the once-thriving fish docks in places like Hull and Grimsby lie in ruins.

“And what’s left of Britain’s once mighty fishing industry continues its slow decline as the tentacles of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy continue to tighten.”

Hookem is best known for the high-profile altercation with former UKIP colleague Steven Woolfe in Strasbourg this September.

The tussle led to Woolfe being rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he collapsed.

President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz referred the matter to French police last month, after a recommendation from the European Parliament conduct committee.

Woolfe insisted he “received a blow” during the clash, something Hookem has strenuously denied.