AS THE national political leaders took to the stage to debate, York held its own political discussion.

The sold-out People’s Question Time at the Royal York Hotel on Thursday heard debate from columnist Owen Jones, broadcaster and comedian Mark Steel, Kate Pickett, co-author of The Spirit Level and director of the Equality Trust, activist George Arthur and Sam Fairbairn, national secretary of the People’s Assembly Against Austerity.

The panel was chaired by York People’s Assembly member, Emily Park, and while nearly 100 questions had been submitted, only five questions were tackled by the panel.

These ranged from topics about why people are not rioting over the economic and social state of the country, to how to remove the need for foodbanks, whether they would call the Labour Party a socialist party and what they thought about the budget for mental health and the NHS.

Attendee Dr Mick Phythian said: “The panel gave thoughtful and encouraging responses, and memories of and quotations from the late Tony Benn were frequent. There was much agreement about the need for people to come together and that whilst we’ve won the arguments we need to convince others and give them the confidence that injustice, inequality and stigmatisation can be ended. The evening concluded with some strong words about keeping the pressure on the politicians and trade unions.”