YP Comment: Uniting in fight against terror: UK must work with allies

Though Mrs May’s speech made no direct reference to the forthcoming referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union, her comments did reveal, indirectly, why she is backing David Cameron’s stance. After six years leading UK policy on counter-terrorism, immigration and related issues, she knows only too well that the bloody threat posed by Daesh is the defining challenge of these times.

Yet, as a public clamour grows for Britain to regain control of its borders, some perspective is required. Having opted out of the Schengen Agreement which abolished the EU’s internal borders, new arrivals in the UK still have to show a valid passport which, in turn, can be checked against security data. This country enjoys more protection than the likes of France and Belgium where jihadists have moved at will, and with such deadly consequences.

However, it is also naive to think that terrorism is just the work of foreign nationals. It is not. As this region of all regions should know, the suicide bombers who blew up 52 innocent people in London on July 7, 2005, grew up on the streets of Yorkshire. A Dewsbury teenager fled to Iraq to commit an atrocity last year while there are disturbing reports that a jihadi from Huddersfield was responsible for a car bomb blast in western Iraq.

Difficult facts, they show the security issue is far more nuanced than some would suggest and the pressing need to prevent vulnerable young people from being radicalised on the streets of Yorkshire, and Britain, will be just as important and necessary after the June 23 referendum.

Tourism’s key link: Instrinsic importance of farming

AS a statement of intent, the launch of Welcome to Yorkshire’s marketing campaign for 2016 could not have been more symbolic. Held in York, which continues to pay a heavy price for the December floods, the message could not have been clearer – this city, and this county, is open for business and looking forward to welcoming the world this summer.

This message will be underpinned by a £1m campaign which will feature a number of celebrity ambassadors spreading the word that there is no county, or region, like Yorkshire – whether it be its historic cities, cultural vibrancy, coastal resorts or priceless National Parks.

Yet it’s important that tourism policy, however dynamic, is not viewed in isolation. It also depends on a thriving rural economy and it was an irony of timing that the glitz and glamour of Y16 coincided with a Farmers For Action demonstration in Westminster. Without a viable agricultural industry, it becomes even harder to manage those rural landscapes whose breathtaking beauty helps attract visitors by the million.

It’s just a shame that the UK’s political elite pays “lip service” to farmers. Other than a passing reference with regard to the EU, issues relating to this vital sector of the economy were not raised at a combative Prime Minister’s Questions where the tragic events in Brussels did not prevent pantomime-style exchanges. As such, it is even more imperative that Mr Cameron honours his promise to Harrogate farmer’s daughter Abigail Morrell after he wrote to the 11-year-old to highlight his commitment to the dairy industry. She’s obviously more effective at holding Ministers to account than many of the country’s MPs.

Cycling’s crusade. A game-changer for female sport?

AS tennis again ties itself up in knots over gender pay, the contrast with cycling could not be greater after it was revealed that female riders in the forthcoming Tour de Yorkshire could earn more prize money than their male counterparts.

A bold move which also guarantees the presence of Otley’s world champion Lizzie Armitstead in the field, this announcement totally changes the terms of the debate and has the potential, in time, to be one of the most significant in the history of female sport.

If cycling can make the game-changing move and respond to calls for parity, why can’t other sports – and professions – follow its lead?

It was best summed up by Welcome to Yorkshire’s very own Sir Gary Verity who said: “What I don’t want is for my daughter to say to me ‘I want to be a professional cyclist’ and for me to have to answer ‘how will you earn a living?’” There is no excuse now.