THE Conservatives became the second main party to launch their manifesto in West Yorkshire.

Unveiling the document today in the Tory target seat of Halifax - close to the venue for Jeremy Corbyn’s manifesto launch in Bradford two days before - Theresa May said Britain was facing the most challenging period in the past 60 years.

“Brexit will define us: our place in the world, our economic security and our future prosperity,” said Mrs May.

“So now more than ever, Britain needs a strong and stable government to get the best Brexit deal for our country and its people.”

Outside the Dean Clough centre, around 150 protesters chanted “Tory scum” and tried to block Conservative battle buses as they left.

Labour supporters and members of the Unite union unfurled banners over the wall surrounding the launch venue and waved placards.

Halifax is a top target seat for the Conservatives, with Labour defending a majority of just 428.

The Conservative manifesto included pledges to build one million new homes by 2020 and increase the National Living Wage to reach 60 per cent of median earnings by the same year.

But Mrs May also ditched David Cameron’s pledges not to raise income tax or national insurance.

And she faced criticism for scrapping the triple-lock on pensions, making the winter fuel allowance means-tested and changing the way older people pay for their care, with Mr Corbyn saying she was “hitting older people with a classic Nasty Party triple whammy”.

Government minister Kris Hopkins, standing for re-election in Keighley, sought to reassure working people and pensioners, saying: “Pensions will continue to rise in line with earnings or in line with inflation – whichever is highest.

“Taxes will stay low and reduced where possible, both for families and for businesses, and energy prices will be capped.”