Andy Burnham told the United Nations this week that Britain was going to lead the world in tackling rogue Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Good luck with that, councillor. We’re also ‘leading the world’ by rushing headlong to Net Zero, but the rest of the world isn’t in the slightest bit interested in following our determination to commit economic hara–kiri.

Donald Trump has already said he will ignore any attempts to introduce global restraints on AI, which he calls ‘Super Intelligence’. ‘We’re going to encourage it, not rein it in,’ the President told the UN.

So any delusions Burnham may nurture about forging a worldwide set of rules to control the spread of AI are dead in the water without US support – just like the Chagos Islands surrender.

That’s not to say the technology doesn’t pose a clear and present threat, and not just to millions of jobs. Only this week, it was revealed that a rogue AI agent (whatever that is) had hacked into an Australian government website and accessed confidential medical data.

Few of us even understand what AI actually is, or how it works. But among those who do, there are predictions that the intellectual capacity of these robots (programs?) will soon surpass that of humans.

One of the more lurid scare stories comes from a former researcher at a company called Anthropic who claims that there is a ten per cent chance AI ‘could kill all humans’ within the next decade.

Donald Trump has already said he will ignore any attempts to introduce global restraints on AI, which he calls ‘Super Intelligence’

How does Andy Pandy propose to stop that happening? He can’t even stop the flotilla of rubber dinghies dumping thousands of illegal immigrants on our shores day in, day out.

If the PM wants to tackle the spread of AI, he might start closer to home. For instance, by passing a law that every company that does business in Britain has to employ human beings to answer the phone and deal with customer complaints.

It was bad enough when you rang your bank, or some other big corporation, your call was diverted to India or Malaysia and you were forced to explain yourself to someone with English as a second language.

These days it’s all AI–powered, voice–activated software, or one of those infuriating online chatbots.

For instance, this week I’ve been locked in combat with Amazon’s ‘customer service’ system. Here’s the shorthand version: I’d bought a couple of Apple TV gizmos. When my tech guy Will came to fit them they turned out to be incompatible with my existing equipment.

I packed them back in the box they came in and returned them registered mail.

Amazon duly issued a refund for one, but not the other.

So I went to the website and clicked the ‘request a callback’ option. The callback came quickly, but that’s when the nightmare began.

Andy Burnham told the United Nations this week that Britain was going to lead the world in tackling rogue Artificial Intelligence (AI)

It wasn’t a living, breathing person, it was an electronic version of one of those old I Speak Your Weight Machines. How could it help?

Refund.

It located the order, but insisted I’d received the refund. No, I told it, I’ve only received a refund for one item. This did not compute. Case closed. Have a nice day.

AAAArrrgggh!

Getting nowhere, and with trepidation, I tried the chatbot. How could it help me?

Refund.

Again, it located the order and told me I’d already received the refund. When I typed in that I’d only received one, not two, it offered a couple of options, both of which took me back to the beginning.

I realised I was dealing with the AI incarnation of Little Britain’s ‘Computer Says No’ sketch, only with David Walliams’s unhelpful assistant Carol now replaced by an algorithm.

In desperation, I typed into Google ‘how to speak to a human at Amazon’. It gave me instructions on how to navigate the website and click on ‘speak to associate’. A phone number would then be forthcoming. Turned out the advice was out of date and the ‘speak to associate’ option had been withdrawn.

Back at Google, I tried again and – eureka! – the new ubiquitous AI assistant at the top of the page came up with what looked like a real–life Greater London phone number. Now we’re getting somewhere. So I called it and –you know where I’m going with this, don’t you? – was put through to the same I Speak Your Weight Machine which had called me in the first place. I’d been plunged straight back into the original Doom Loop and Amazon still owed me the thick end of 200 quid.

This is a typical, everyday frustrating experience for millions who have to deal with corporations and Government departments, only to be put on hold interminably while being told: ‘We are experiencing high volumes of calls. Please hold, your call is important to us.

No, it isn’t.

All our assistants are dealing with other customers.

No, they’re not, they’re working from home, watching Bargain Hunt and eating Hobnobs.

You are being held in a queue. Did you know you could also visit our website at www…

I’ve just done that, which is why I’m ringing you…’

After half an hour, you give up. Or, if you are lucky enough to get through, these days you won’t find yourself talking to ‘Barry’ in Bangalore, you’ll come up against an AI–powered Metal Mickey, who won’t be able to help, either.

AI is no longer confined to the big boys. Last week, I rang my alarm company. ‘Good afternoon, this is Charlie speaking, how can I get you to the right team to help you today?’

Having replied: ‘Oh, hello Charlie, my name’s…’ I realised I wasn’t talking to a person, I was talking to a robot.

A friend of mine called the White Horse pub, near Guildford, Surrey, to book a table for lunch. After the usual ‘this call is recorded for training purposes, etc’ he was redirected to ‘Charlie’, who turned out to be another robot voice. The White Horse is a boozer, for heaven’s sake, not NASA. Surely they could ask one of the barmaids to answer the phone.

(The pub’s ‘Charlie’ was female, and the ‘Charlie’ at my alarm company was male. Are all AI–bots called Charlie?)

AI is spreading like Japanese knotweed, from giant corporations to provincial alarm companies and even Surrey pubs. Councillor Burnham’s kidding himself if he thinks he can lead the world in turning back the tide.

As for the doomsday warning that in ten years it could start killing all humans, that might well turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

After my dealings with Amazon’s AI–powered customer service this week, I lost the will to live.

Surkeir may have been Labour leader for six years and Prime Minister for two, but it seems he rose and vanished almost without trace. 

On the BBC’s Pointless this week, contestants were asked to name the man who succeeded Rishi Sunak as PM. They were even given the initials ‘K.S.’ as a clue. Out of 100 people questioned, 69 had never heard of him.

Which only goes to prove that however important politicians think they are, most people think they’re pointless.

With the military run down to its lowest level since the Napoleonic Wars and defence spending unlikely to reach a paltry three per cent any time soon, the Government now plans to spend £7.8billion on a Space Force.

Beam Me Up, Scotty.

Dolly Parton’s outspoken sister Stella has broken her silence regarding the bitter family feud after the music icon’s death at 80 last month.

Parton‘s estate has reportedly been granted a temporary restraining order against the music legend’s nephew Bryan Seaver following allegations he made threatening overtures towards her manager Danny Nozell. 

Nozell, who managed Parton for over 20 years, took out a temporary restraining order against Seaver under Parton’s company She’s Alive, LLC, and claimed Seaver demanded money from him and began ‘invoking his self-proclaimed military-contractor experience, access to weapons, and capacity for violence’ while doing so.

Seaver served as his aunt’s security chief and was entrusted by her to announce the news of her death last month. 

And now, Dolly’s 77-year-old sister Stella has addressed the bitter family feud in an Instagram Story posted on Thursday.

She wrote: ‘We are still in contact and moving forward because our children and grandchildren look to us for strength and guidance during this difficult time and confusion for them as well.’ 

She went on to say that anyone else in their family’s position would be doing the same thing.

Stella wrote: ‘We are living our lives one day at a time and being grateful for every blessing.’

She concluded the message by saying that the Parton family will be celebrating the legendary Jolene singer as it is her one month death anniversary tomorrow.  

This comes as a Tennessee judge has granted Parton’s company She’s Alive, LLC legal protection from Seaver and his security company Squadron Augmented Protection Services (SAPS), according to TMZ. 

Seaver and SAPS must remain 1,000 feet away from She’s Alive employees, lawyers, and business partners. Seaver and SAPS must also not interfere with She’s Alive’s business relationships.

The issue will be addressed at a hearing scheduled for October 7.

The Daily Mail has contacted Nozell, Seaver’s organization SAPS, and Nozell’s attorney Timothy L Warnock for comment.

In documents seeking the temporary restraining order, Nozell told the court he fired Seaver from his position on September 15 as a result of the alleged threats, TMZ previously reported.

Nozell claimed that Seaver’s behavior continued to escalate in the weeks ahead of Parton’s August 25 death at 80, according to the outlet. 

Dolly’s 77-year-old sister Stella has addressed the bitter family feud in an Instagram Story posted on Thursday

Parton’s estate has now been granted a restraining order against the music legend’s nephew Bryan Seaver following allegations he made threatening overtures against her manager Danny Nozell; Seaver seen above with the singer in 2017 in NYC

Nozell, who managed Parton for over 20 years, took out a temporary restraining order against Seaver under Parton’s company She’s Alive, LLC; Above, Parton and Nozell in LA in 2022 

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According to legal documents reviewed by TMZ, Seaver told Nozell: ‘Her money better be bigger than I can make elsewhere or I’m going to f*** everyone. I am about to become the hand of retribution for my entire family.’

Another communication Seaver sent to Nozell, according to the filing, read: ‘All I do is warfare … everyone needs to be worried about what I might do.’

Seaver allegedly told Nozell he was planning on setting ‘up a podcast dedicated to ruining Dolly’s brand partnership and telling the violations these people have done on us,’ per the court filing, TMZ reported.

Nozell requested that the court order Seaver to remain a minimum of 1,000 feet from Parton’s office and to refrain from contacting Parton’s businesses or affiliates, according to the report.

In response to the restraining order request, Seaver told TMZ on Tuesday: ‘I am a career soldier and military contractor and do conduct arms deals for foreign governments. I am a security professional and I am a killer.

‘However, nothing in this lawsuit were threats and most of the comments I stand by.’

The music legend died at age 80 last month, sending fans and the music world into mourning

Nozell said in documents previously viewed by TMZ that Seaver demanded money from him and invoked ‘his self-proclaimed military-contractor experience, access to weapons, and capacity for violence’ while doing so; Parton seen in 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee

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Bryan said that the texts included in the filing had been published out of context to make it look like he was trying to be intimidating, which wasn’t the case. 

‘I was talking frankly in a private way with Danny who I thought was my friend and he fancies himself a gangster,’ Bryan told the outlet. ‘A lot of these messages are two guys having rage talk and crying on the phone together while we were grieving.’

Seaver said that one remark – in which he said he was going to ‘rat f***’ an organization whose name was redacted from the report – was ‘about people that have done bad to Dolly in business.’

He added: ‘Those comments were about specific, horrible business partners that have done wrong to her and I stand by that.’

Seaver last week received a notice reviewed by TMZ that he and his security organizations, which provided protection for Parton’s Nashville home, museum and a warehouse, were being replaced by another company.

Insiders told the outlet that they believed Parton’s manager Nozell and Pinnacle Bank were responsible for the decision to terminate him and his employees.

A new security team was deployed to the locations previously overseen by Seaver’s companies after the termination notice was issued, according to the report.

Sources close to Seaver said that he and his associates had been ‘dismayed by the unexpected and, so far, unexplained actions’ carried out in the wake of Parton’s passing.

Seaver seen accompanying Parton to a Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance in 2016 

‘We remain unshakably resolved to fulfill her final directive to protect her family, and we refuse to be intimidated by those whose actions we believe are being taken in bad faith,’ Seaver’s camp told TMZ.

They told the outlet that they believed the actions had been taken ‘with the intent to profit from the life of someone who willingly gave so much.’

According to TMZ, the notice issued to Seaver indicated that the DP Dean Trust had been overseeing Parton’s business and properties in the wake of her passing.

Seaver retains a personal interest in her trust moving forward, according to the report.

Seaver, whose mother Cassie is Parton’s sister, had been appointed by the late Jolene singer to reveal her death in a public statement.

Following Parton’s August 25 passing after a cancer battle, Seaver had been seen in a clip in which he revealed the sad news.

Seaver served as his aunt’s security chief and was entrusted by her to announce the news of her death last month

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‘Dolly has lived in the light, and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by [late husband] Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens,’ Seaver said in the emotional clip.

In the clip, Seaver noted that his father Larry had held the security position before him.

He said that he had been her security head for the past ‘two decades,’ and had been working for her over the past four decades.

‘I first went on the road with Dolly as a kid, getting a taste of the road life in the early 1980s,’ Seaver said. ‘Dolly opened doors not just for me, but for her entire family to reach the potential we didn’t even know was possible.

‘Dolly also opened doors for generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers from every walk of life and across every continent. By her example, we believed that anything was possible.’

He added: ‘She never saw a door she couldn’t open, and the doors she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you.’

Parton has been well-remembered in the weeks since her passing, during which she received an expansive tribute at the Primetime Emmy Awards last week, which featured Reba McEntire and Sally Field.

Nashville International Airport is set to be renamed in Parton’s memory following a vote from the Metro Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners weeks back.

Daniel Thomas, 37, known as Danny Tommo, has been charged over alleged damage to a boat in the English Channel

Far-right campaigner Daniel Thomas – known to his followers as Danny Tommo – has been charged with criminal damage following footage that appeared to show him slashing a boat in the English Channel with a first responder on board.

The 37-year-old, of no fixed address, was also charged on Thursday night with refusing to provide police with his phone’s Pin code, an offence under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

He was remanded into custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Hampshire police said.

The force stated: “The charges follow an allegation made to police that damage had been caused to a boat in the Channel whilst an emergency responder was on board.”

Several hundred individuals, predominantly dressed in black, assembled outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke on Thursday night, under the belief that Thomas was being held within.

Arriving collectively just shy of 6.30pm, they positioned themselves on the road outside the facility and commenced chanting “free DT”. While the majority remained unmasked, some attendees were observed wearing face coverings.

Numerous police officers were visible overseeing the gathering outside the investigation centre throughout the multi-hour protest. The demonstration remained orderly, with participants stepping aside from the carriageway to accommodate passing vehicles.

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Police attended the crash on the A167 at Hurworth at around 5.30pm on Thursday (September 24), with part of the road affected while officers dealt with the incident.

Pictures from the scene show a dark blue Volkswagen smashed in the wall of a property, causing significant damage to both the car and the pavement.

A bollard was also knocked over.

A marked and unmarked police car are on the scene on the A167 in Hurworth where a VW has crashed into a wall. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The car appears to have suffered extensive damage, with large dents visible along the side panels, the front bonnet crumpled and airbags deployed inside the vehicle.

A marked police car and an unmarked police vehicle were at the scene as officers spoke with residents involved.

The road remained open, although traffic was being diverted by police.

A marked and unmarked police car are on the scene on the A167 in Hurworth where a VW has crashed into a wall. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Several residents gathered nearby after hearing a “loud bang.”

One resident said: “I was in my flat and I heard this huge bang. I came out and saw the car had gone into the building.

A marked and unmarked police car are on the scene on the A167 in Hurworth where a VW has crashed into a wall. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“I hope everyone is okay it looks quite serious.”

Another said: “I hear this loud crash and ran outside to see what had happened and saw the car had crashed into the building.

“Thankfully everyone seems okay.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Durham Police for more information.

There is an argument that it should go back a decade further.

However, it cannot be acceptable that some of the 4,500 patients whose cases are to be looked at will not know until 2031 – five long years away – the outcome of the review.

This must be making these unfortunate women extremely anxious, particularly when they see that of 528 cases reviewed so far back to 2023, 321 patients have suffered some harm.

Our local trust, which already has nine reviewers looking at about 80 cases a month, does not have the resources to go any faster.

But last month, when Cleveland Police was struggling in the aftermath of the A66 crash, it was able to call in extra resources from across the country.

Surely this immense scandal should trigger a similar response from the National Health Service so women’s immense anxiety can be eased before the next decade.

This should be seen as a national scandal, not just a little local difficulty, with a national inquiry because this could have profound implications for the way the whole NHS interacts with private clinics.

This could also have profound implications on our local NHS funding.

Already, the trust has spent £523,000 reviewing cases.

If this drags on another five years, the bill is going to be over £3m.

Add to that the £600,000 in legal fees, which could yet rise to £1.19m, over the very avoidable changing rooms debacle, then Durham and Darlington are going to be feeling the pinch for years to come.

Ms Bunting has been at the centre of protracted litigation since she was banned from holding public office as a councillor in 2023.

Former Belfast councillor Jolene Bunting has won a new legal battle over the decision to impose a three-year ban on her seeking re-election.

The Court of Appeal on Thursday dismissed a challenge to the quashing of the disqualification decision taken by a local government watchdog body.

Senior judges held she was denied a fair hearing at an adjudication process where she had expressed fears about facing the leader of far-right party Britain First.

Ms Bunting has been at the centre of protracted litigation since she was banned from holding public office as a councillor in 2023.The Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards (NILGCS) imposed the sanction for a breach of its code of ethics. It followed a determination that she doctored a payslip in a bid to obtain cash from Britain First.

The investigation into her conduct was based on a complaint lodged by Paul Golding, leader and co-founder of the political grouping.

He claimed his party sent Ms Bunting money to cover an alleged fine from Belfast City Council for a publicity stunt involving its ex-deputy leader, Jayda Fransen.

Ms Fransen had been filmed making a statement while wearing robes and sitting in the lord mayor’s chair at City Hall in 2018.

But the tribunal was told that a £545 deduction in Ms Bunting’s council pay was actually because she exceeded the data allowance on her mobile phone.

The Commissioner held she improperly used her position to secure financial advantage by amending her payslip to gain from Mr Golding and Britain First, bringing her position as a councillor into disrepute.

Ms Bunting, a former independent unionist councillor, denied the allegations throughout the process and made a last-ditch attempt to halt the February 2023 hearing.

Legal proceedings centred on a refusal to grant her that adjournment in order to secure new lawyers.

Ms Bunting did not attend the tribunal, but sent an email the previous evening setting out her failure to obtain a solicitor or receive necessary documents.

She also referred to Mr Golding as someone who had caused her “great consternation and anxiety over the last number of years”.

Ms Bunting claimed to be “genuinely in fear” and not emotionally ready to face the Britain First leader.

In February this year she successfully argued in the High Court that she had been denied a fair hearing.

Counsel for Ms Bunting insisted her asserted fear of Mr Golding was reasonably based on his convictions for offences under hate crime legislation and harassment aggravated by religion.

A television documentary covertly recorded him admitting to assaults on two women, the court heard.

At that stage the judge identified an apparent lack of consideration for Ms Bunting finding herself without a lawyer at the eleventh hour, and no reference to the issue of her fear of Mr Golding.

He ruled that the adjudication hearing had been unfair, quashed the disqualification decision taken by an assistant commissioner and remitted the case for reconsideration.

The watchdog body challenged his determination in the Court of Appeal, contended that it was flawed.

But Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan, sitting with Lady Justice McBride and Mr Justice McLaughlin, identified no legal error in the High Court verdict.

“We agree that the assistant commissioner in the decision did not sufficiently engage and give reasons which were intelligible and clear to Ms Bunting on why her adjournment application was refused,” Dame Siobhan said.

Rejecting the challenge, she confirmed: “There is no basis for the appeal in substance.”

Speaking outside court, Ms Bunting’s solicitor, Michael Brentnall, said: “Our client now welcomes the opportunity to clear her name regarding the allegations that underpin this challenge, and to unearth the truth about the nature and substance of these allegations made against her.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

This year’s new football game from EA is out for everybody today, but already fans are noticing some concerning problems that need fixing as soon as possible.

Although EA Sports FC 27 is officially only released today, if you bought the Ultimate Edition or Ultimate Plus Editions you could’ve been playing it a week early. That’s good for EA, because they make more money from the more expensive editions, but it also means that a lot of people already have firm opinions about the game.

We gave the annual football sim a positive review and it has a generally favourable score of 77 on Metacritic. That score, however, doesn’t reflect some serious issues making waves across the community.

It should be noted that many of these issues were actually discovered during the pre-release demo, and EA is usually quick to stamp out exploits, but, at time of writing, here’s everything that’s getting fans upset.

Corners

The first problem is the new corner system. EA has implemented a fresh way of taking corners this year and it’s not exactly won players over. The system introduces a third step whereby, after you’ve set up the corner and aimed where you want to deliver the ball, you take control of players in the box.

You’re essentially trying to move your attacker into position, avoiding defenders and shielding their obstruction attempts, before making contact with the ball. For many, it’s just too much.

‘Anyone else just hate the new corners?’ asks Reddit user Tegsmo. ‘Like seriously, why did they feel the need to change it? It’s awful now. Maybe it’s just me but I can’t ever control where I need my players to be since you can’t see where the ball is going.’

Stamphasadeathwish agrees, writing, ‘Corners are terrible. The two stage thing could work if there were some kind of indicator for where to expect the ball, but scoring headers requires too much precision for guesswork.’

EA is unlikely to strip this feature out completely, but hopefully they will respond to the complaints. There is already a mode where you can practice corners in a controlled environment; this is found in the Learn to Play section, where there’s a dedicated corner skill game.

Glitches

Not all of FC 27’s issues have players raging. Some hilarious glitches are having the opposite effect. Take one found by Reddit user Alternative_Smile866, who loaded up a match and found one of their subs wearing a black sports bra.

‘Can anyone tell me who this is on my bench?’ they asked the EASportsFC subreddit. ‘Paused game for a sub and this player flicked on for a split second… not sure if on bench or in shower but either way, I’m not sure which player they are of mine (no AI was used for this photo)’.

Elsewhere on the subreddit, one player discovered a glitch involving a goalkeeper who appeared to become stuck to the goal post after saving a freekick.

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Up43, meanwhile, discovered an interesting strategy in the new 2v2 street mode: getting their player tangled in the net so they double up as a makeshift keeper.

While silly, these glitches can be replicated and used online, interfering with the gameplay. EA will almost certainly aim to squash bugs like these as soon as it can. Gameplay is often subjective, but glitches just aren’t part of the experience, especially in a tightly controlled setting like competitive multiplayer.

Through balls

Outcry over through balls is something that returns every year, but FC 27 seems to have given critics more fuel than ever. Splitting the defence with a decisive ball should be an act of skill and timing, but this year, for some, it’s proving a little too effective.

Medium_Location1298 says, ‘In a few games I was trying the stupid through balls that worked last year as my only form of attack and was scoring consistently. It genuinely just makes the game boring.’

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You can see the player’s point. Why mess around in midfield when you can bypass it all with a simple tap of the ‘Y’ button? Players will always default to the easiest possible option and that spells disaster for the multiplayer meta if the devs don’t keep an eye on it.

On the other hand, some players are saying through balls aren’t effective enough. PM_ME_BAKAYOKO_PICS writes, ‘They’re not nerfed they’re just manual, they’re actually strong as f*** and it’s the new meta in high divs/pro play, but since they’re manual you have to put the correct power and direction on them.’

When you have an equal number of players calling for a feature to be both buffed and nerfed, it probably means it’s actually working fine.

Player switching

Another issue that has fans up in arms is player switching. This is a simple mechanic inherent to any group sports game, which involves switching control to a nearby player. When implemented well it’s barely noticeable. In FC 27, however, it is proving seriously noticeable.

Reddit user blutgraetsche says, ‘I’ve conceded nine goals in squad battles so far and seven were from me not being able to switch players and running around like a headless chicken with the wrong player.’

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Froduy says, ‘I agree that player switching feels a little bit off, but might have to do with sensitivity. I change it every year until I find the best one for me.’

This one is more of a teething issue. FC 27 hasn’t implemented a widespread change to player switching this year, so anyone having trouble with it would do well to heed Frouduy’s advice and have a play around in the settings.

To the game’s credit, the settings menu is full of sliders for almost every possible facet, from your defenders’ tackling aggression to how frequently your wingers will make runs. If something’s not to your liking, you have at least a bit of leeway to fix it.

Certain issues, though, like egregious bugs or poorly implemented systems, need more than a tinker in the menu to alleviate. Hopefully EA is listening to its playerbase and sensibly monitoring issues that crop up over the next year.

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Trump appeared to be visibly frustrated as protesters were heard above the noise of the national anthem before the President and Xi Jinping entered the White House

Protesters drowned out the noise of the US national anthem ahead of Donald Trump’s key state dinner with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Demonstrators could be heard as the Chinese president and his wife Madame Peng were received by Trump and Melania prior to the dinner on Thursday, September 25.

Trump was seemingly left ‘mortified’, surveying the scene with a disapproving grimace, before greeting his guests for the evening.

Pro and anti- China campaigners flanked either side of the road just several blocks east of the White House, divided by a police barrier. The pro-China contingent were blaring the Chinese national anthem while protesters across from them brandished the Tibetan flag.

A number of arrests were made by authorities outside the White House.

Campaigners from a separate anti-China demonstration moving south toward the White House were chanting “Keep Taiwan free!”, “Stop the Uyghur genocide” and “Free Jimmy Lai.” Shouts and chanting were audible above the ceremonial music before the leaders went inside for the dinner.

Social media users flocked online to remark on Trump’s response to the demonstrations.

One user said: “Trump is humiliated as protestors can be clearly heard at the White House as President Xi arrives at his state dinner.

“Look at his face, he is boiling mad.”

The guest list for the glitzy dinner boasts names such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and OpenAI President and Co-Founder Greg Brockman.

Elon Musk is positioned at the top table alongside Melania Trump, with Apple’s Tim Cook seated next to Xi Jinping’s wife, Peng Liyuan.

Both presidents addressed the guests prior to the dinner, reflecting on the “long history” shared by the two nations.

The state dinner comes after what Trump labelled a “great meeting” between the leaders.

The official Chinese summary of the morning discussions between Trump and Xi reveals they touched on subjects including trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, the Middle East and Ukraine.

The Friday letters page isn’t sure which game counts as Rare’s best, as one reader explains why he sold his Xbox Series X console.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Old favourites
Nice article about Rare and how Microsoft got it wrong right from the start, in terms of buying companies and making them first party. You could maybe argue that they did score with Bungie but considering how they let them slip through their fingers, and the state of Halo today, it’s not exactly a total success.

I have mixed opinions on Rare myself. All my N64 memories of them are very positive but whenever I play one of their old games they’ve not really aged well. GoldenEye 007 was my favourite but even with the altered Nintendo Switch Online version the magic’s not there anymore. I think you just had to be there at the time.

I feel the same about Banjo-Kazooie too, so I really struggle to say which is their ‘best’ game. I’ve got a feeling it may actually be Sea Of Thieves, which is kind of a boring answer, so instead I’m going to say Blast Corps. It may be simple but it’s the one game of theirs that’s just as much fun now as it was when it first came out. I’m curious to know what other people think though, especially if they’ve played the games recently.
Cranston

Limited edition
No offence to anyone that plans to get it but that GTA Collector’s Edition is the biggest load of worthless rubbish I have ever seen. It’s £350 and yet I can’t see anything that looks like it would be worth more than £20, except the Oakley sunglasses. Maybe the bag and hat, if they’re a cool brand I don’t know about, but a spoon? A keychain? A sticker pack?!

And that alligator figure looks so cheap, worse than an amiibo, and they’re what now? Less than £20? I just don’t get it. And that’s not even counting that the map used to come free with the game, when games were something you bought in a box.

I’m not doubting that GTA 6 is going to be amazing value for money, but this collector’s edition is the absolute worst. I’d love to hear from anyone that thinks otherwise.
Kent

GC: We think the spoon is for… very specific uses. But yes, it does seem expensive.

Shareholder concerns
Focus is right, there is a vast difference between how Japanese and US companies operate. But I think it’s less to do with the type of people running the companies than it is corporate law. Companies like Microsoft have their hands tied, having to always prioritise shareholders and quarterly results at the expense of healthy long-term investment and talent.

What people like Asha Sharma should be doing is trying to influence change within US corporate law. Japan has regulations in place to allow their corporations to operate in a way which also benefits customers and staff. If these ideals were incorporated into US law, then it could not only help gaming companies, which thrive on nurturing talent, it would also help other companies be able to make better choices when it comes to how they treat their staff, customers, and the environment.

When a company like Microsoft has to lay off vast amounts of staff to avoid being sued by their shareholders then you know something is broken.
PjDonnelli

GC: It’s a bit of an urban legend that US companies have a legal obligation to maximise profits for shareholders, although they do have a ‘duty to promote the success of the company.’ We’re not aware of any publisher exec that has ever spoken out against the issue though.

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Rare misses
Am I just an old dad now in his 40s or is Microsoft sat on a goldmine and they don’t realise it?

Diddy Kong Racing was amazing back in the day. It was better than Mario Kart 64. It was the first open world racer if I’m not mistaken, please correct me if I am.

I remember my mum asking me what I wanted for Christmas. I said a N64 with Diddy Kong. That was it. £99 I think, from Comet.

No Diddy Kong Racing 2. No GoldenEye 2. OK we have Perfect Dark, but if it had the licence it would have been miles better.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day 2? Please Microsoft, please. Don’t keep telling us about these studios merging and not one person being there to talk about the past.

The last formed the greatest games in front of them.
Nick the Greek

GC: The first open world racing game is widely agreed to be 1986’s Turbo Esprit on the ZX Spectrum. Diddy Kong Racing was only open world in terms of the hub; the actual races were all linear – as far as we recall.

Out of Control
Well, Control Resonant one of the most disappointing reviews I have read!

Control was one of most enjoyable games of recent times in my opinion. Jesse was a great main character, the Bureau was really interesting, the Hiss were creepy, and the whole game has just stuck in my head years after playing!

I was really looking forward to the sequel, but having read your review it sounds more like a chore than a fun experience, so I’ll give it a miss unless it appears as a freebie on Epic in a couple of years’ time.

Anyway, currently playing Undead Nightmare (PC gamer, late to the party) not normally one for zombie games, but this one is so tongue in cheek I can’t help but enjoy it!

Whatever you’re playing, have fun y’all!
The Dude Abides

Between stock
Those prices for the Nintendo Switch 2 are genuinely really great; I pushed the button on it because I don’t think we’re going to see better than that this year. I suspect maybe it’s old stock of the old version with the non-removable battery (or the new screen, I forget which is the newest change).

I’m not sure why Argos and Smyths would want to sell them off cheap – it’s not like ordinary people are going to care about the different versions – but it might explain why Amazon don’t have any in stock at the moment, as they wait for the new version.

If that is the reason then it’s even less likely they’ll be this cheap again, so I advise anyone that’s interested to take advantage of it.
Bolan

Beyond 16-bit
The hill I’ll die on: if you’re older than nine years old and in any way interested in what a teraflop is, and how many of them a piece of technology may have, you’re an idiot.

All serious people know that bits is where it’s at!
Chris

End of an era
I sold my Xbox Series X today. CeX gave £364 cash, only £116 less than I paid for it a few years ago.

It’ll mark the end of a 25 year period owning and using Xbox hardware. I was there day one and fully agreed with Edge’s front cover assessment of the original Xbox. But the Xbox 360 was peak Xbox for reasons we are all familiar with.

It’s been a struggle since then though, with first party software taking a nosedive, leading to unprecedented acquisitions for IP and Game Pass filler that backfired somewhat and resulted in the massive restructuring we see today.

As much as I rate the Xbox Series X/S hardware I can’t see any scenario where Xbox hardware or ecosystem would be something I use going forward.

I do rate Game Pass, but it sounds like that’s going to change pretty dramatically with the restructuring, features spun off, ad tiers, less day one games, etc… But even if none of that came to pass, I’ve not the time to get the most out of it these days, so won’t be subscribing again when my current sub ends soon. As Xbox games will release on PC the future choice will be a PlayStation 6 or PC paired with a Nintendo console.

On a side note, had really good service from CeX. Dropped the machine off as a Drop and Go item at 11am, money was in my bank account by 4pm.
Simundo

Inbox also-rans
GTA 6 merchandise collector’s edition. 100% pure tat. Alternatively, put the money towards a Switch 2 and get the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake. You know it makes sense.
Paul C.

Looking forward to playing Silent Hill: Townfall this weekend. Now it gets dark earlier it’s the perfect time for scary video games!
Limpton

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: s Inbox: Will the PS6 release be delayed?Games Inbox: Will the PS6 release be delayed?

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The previously unpublished letter is being shared on Give Like Dolly Day, 25 September, as people around the world honour Dolly’s extraordinary generosity and the lasting impact of her work.

Dolly has always been an important figure in my life.

It started with my Mum, she was obsessed with Dolly’s voice and introduced me to her Music. When I was seven, my younger sister came along. Mum named her Jolene. For as long as my sister can remember, when someone is introduced to her, they sing a chorus of that famous song. Luckily, she’s a huge Dolly Fan too.

But we didn’t just love her music. We loved her, her story, her unique character.

From a one-bedroom cabin in Tennessee to global musical stardom, Dolly never forgot where she came from or felt the need to change who she was. Her work is so completely rooted in one place, with that distinctive Tennessee country sound, yet somehow it belongs to everyone.

That really inspired me when writing about my wee city of Derry in Derry Girls. It made me believe that world so personal to me — with all its quirks, idiosyncrasies and very specific local stories — might somehow translate to the wider world.

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And that’s why, in Derry Girls, we had Dolly’s picture hanging on the wall — above the Pope, no less — and why, whenever anyone was told to prove they were telling the truth, they had to swear on Dolly.

As a writer, I have long been in awe of Dolly’s lyrics and storytelling power, the way she could draw you in and make you think and feel.

And then there’s her legendary generosity. Dolly was such a genuine force for good in the world. And in a sea of achievements the creation the Imagination Library is one of her most remarkable.

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Dolly understood how enriching and life-changing stories can be, and how important it is to get children reading from a young age, but was also very aware of the barriers that can stop that happening. For Dolly to use her success to try to give children that gift is truly incredible.

In My Neflix mystery How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, the fearless Booker Bradley potrayed by the insanely talented Bronagh Gallagher, is a huge Dolly Parton fan. She wears a belt which proudly displayed the word ‘ DOLLY’ across it’s buckle – and sang a haunting rendition of ‘ Love is like a butterfly’ in the show. I’ll end with a quote from Booker which perhaps best sums up how I feel ** ** ” Dolly Parton is one of the greatest artists ever to have graced this planet, a musical icon, a storyteller, a philanthropist.”

Rest in Peace Dolly. There will never be another quite like you.

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Give Like Dolly Day- September 25

As today is Give Like Dolly Day, a heartfelt letter from Dolly Parton has revealed her personal hope that every child in Northern Ireland could one day receive free books through her Imagination Library.

The previously unpublished letter is being shared as people around the world honour Dolly’s extraordinary generosity and the lasting impact of her work.

Written in August 2025, the letter celebrates the achievements of Imagination Library partners in Northern Ireland, who had gifted nearly 90,000 books to children and families over the preceding decade.

Dolly also recalled her own connection with Northern Ireland, writing of her “fond memories of performing in Belfast” and saying that it meant the world to her that the Imagination Library had found “such a special home” there.

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Most powerfully, the letter shares Dolly’s dream of making the Imagination Library available to every young child across Northern Ireland and invites others to help make that ambition a reality.

Dolly wrote that every child deserved the opportunity to dream big, with books at home, a lifelong love of reading and the inspiration to make a difference in the world.

The letter is being shared as part of Give Like Dolly Day, a day inspired by Dolly’s lifelong commitment to giving back and helping others. Individuals, communities and organisations are being encouraged to celebrate her legacy through acts of generosity and by supporting the causes she cared about.

Dolly founded the Imagination Library in 1995 in honour of her father, who could not read or write. Today, the programme works with local partners to send a carefully selected, age-appropriate book by post every month to children from birth to age 5. Families do not pay to take part.

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Brenda McMullen, ex-Headteacher at Cliftonville Integrated Primary in Belfast first brought the programme to Northern Ireland in 2015, she has since served on the Imagination Library’s book selection committee. Currently, the Imagination Library programmes across Northern Ireland are generously supported by Hagan Homes, Belfast City Council, Apex Housing and Clan Mil Housing.

Meg Fletcher, Regional Director at The Dollywood Foundation UK, said: “On Give Like Dolly Day, this letter is a precious reminder of Dolly’s love for Northern Ireland and her determination to help children dream big.

“She was immensely proud of what local Imagination Library partners had already achieved, but she always wanted to reach further. Her hope was that every young child in Northern Ireland could experience the excitement of a book arriving through their door each month, addressed especially to them.

“Dolly’s message was also an invitation. She knew that bringing books to every child would only be possible if people and organisations came together to make it happen.

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“We would love to hear from communities, funders, businesses and public bodies who could help us take her dream forward. Supporting more children to build their own library at home would be a powerful way to give like Dolly and continue her remarkable legacy.”

Research shows that having books in the home and sharing stories from a child’s earliest months can support language development, school readiness and the bond between children and their parents or carers.

The Imagination Library is a universal programme, open to every child within a participating community. This principle was deeply personal to Dolly, who experienced poverty and bullying as a child and never wanted a family to feel singled out for receiving books.

The Dollywood Foundation UK is inviting organisations, funders and public-sector partners interested in expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across Northern Ireland to get in touch.

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