Around 200 people were invited to the event at Savile Hall, near the Royal Armouries, where they had the chance to quiz Gordon Brown and his cabinet about the global economic crisis.

Senior ministers, including Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, worked their way around tables discussing a range of topics, including the economy, education, housing and climate change.

During his opening speech, Gordon Brown spoke about the "huge insecurities" facing ordinary people in the UK during the global economic crisis .

He said: "This is a very difficult time for the global economy. People have worries about jobs, insecurities about homes and businesses have fears about cash flow. There are huge insecurities about what's happening.

"If we don't act now, things may deteriorate. But we are determined to provide real help for businesses and families."

Guests also had the chance to direct questions to the Prime Minister, with topics raised including climate change, problems with the construction industry and the effect of the credit crunch on small businesses.

Tony Knight, managing director of Allerton Bywater firm Papico Ltd, asked Mr Brown about the mortgage crisis while Sally-Anne Greenfield, chief executive of Leeds Community Foundation, raised concerns on the impact of crisis on charities and the voluntary sector.

A girl from a youth council received warm applause when she addressed the Prime Minister and told him: "We do do good things." Mr Brown welcomed her comments but said most of the event's questions and concerns centred on the economy. He added: "We have got to ensure in coming through this downturn that we don't put at risk the vital things we have to do for the future."

Security was tight at Savile Hall, with all invited guests having to pass through police checks, a body search and a scanner. The leader of Leeds City Council, Coun Richard Brett, shook hands with all the dignitaries as they arrived.