YP Comment: Time to answer the questions. May and Corbyn's test in York

The stakes could not be higher for both Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn ahead of their respective appearances on tonight’s BBC Question Time special in York, the last setpiece event of the election.

Though both leaders acknowledged Yorkshire’s significance when they chose this county for their respective manifesto launches, neither the Prime Minister, nor Leader of the Opposition, can afford to take voters for granted.

Quite the opposite. They’ve said very little about this region’s prospects, or the future of the North in a rebalanced economy, since they last graced Yorkshire with their presence a fortnight ago – ‘lip service’ will not suffice here.

Instead the country has been treated to an increasingly unedifying campaign in which both seem happier talking about the proposals of their rivals rather than answering for their own blueprints.

This is reflected by the fact that Mrs May and Mr Corbyn will not take part in a face-to-face debate when they appear at the University of York. This simply is not good enough. Though they do take part in weekly exchanges at Prime Minister’s Questions on topical issues, much has changed in the intervening period – whether it be confusion over the Conservative Party’s so-called ‘dementia tax’ or the sustainability of Labour’s spending plans.

As such, the electorate should be entitled – at the very least – to one debate where the two leaders battling for the keys to 10 Downing Street have a chance to question each other on their respective blueprints and their Brexit strategies. In less than a week’s time, votes cast here in Yorkshire will help to determine the make-up of the next Government and the country’s future direction.

Given that neither party can be assured of victory here, our request to Mrs May and Mr Corbyn is a simple one tonight – less bluster, more detail and carefully costed plans please in a county renowned for its plain-speaking and prudence. This region’s viewers and voters will settle for nothing less as they attempt to separate fact from fiction.

A test of society

WHEN the Tories returned to power in 2010, welfare spending was out of control. Yet, while it has taken time, and much heartache, to regain some semblance of control, there is a growing sense that the disabled are paying an unfair price for the painful medicine that has been introduced.

This is why the main parties should take heed of today’s open letter signed by Kadeena Cox, the gold medal-winning Paralympian from Leeds, and many others which calls for welfare payments to the disabled to be protected in the next Parliament.

The plea comes after more than 50,000 people have had specially adapted motability vehicles taken away since personal independence payments (PIP) were brought in to replace the disability living allowance in 2013.

Though it is important that each case is treated on its merits, claimants do deserve dignity. Ministers also need to realise that the availability of support, like motability vehicles, can determine whether disabled people can actually hold down jobs, for example, and lead independent, and fulfilling, lives as a consequence. The sadness is so many people feel the need to speak out – what does that say about the Britain of today and its values?

Filling the void

IT is testament to the extraordinary work, and diversity, of Yorkshire’s charities that 11 organisations have been named today as the latest recipients of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Without their dedication, and the tireless work of a small army of volunteers committed to giving something back to a county they’re proud to call home, Yorkshire would be a much poorer place.

And it would be misguided to under-estimate the significant of the work undertaken by these charities – the winning projects range from tourism attractions to a group working to combat loneliness to a cricket club committed to building inter-faith relations.

While these organisations, and many more, flourish because they’re apolitical, it would equally be remiss for the country’s political classes to take them for granted. For, without the selflessness of so many, just who will fill the void?