Starmer's Statesmanship Lauded in Face of Trump's Provocations
In a recent edition of the Guardian's letters section, readers have commended Keir Starmer for maintaining a calm and statesmanlike demeanour during a press conference with Donald Trump in September 2025. Martin Datta from Lincoln praised Starmer for not being drawn into what he described as "infantile insults and playground bullying" from Trump, highlighting the Labour leader's efforts to mitigate the former US president's recklessness and work towards a cessation of tensions, particularly in the Middle East.
Moby's Misinterpretation of The Kinks' 'Lola' Debated
Another letter addressed comments from musician Moby, who labelled the lyrics of The Kinks' 1970 hit "Lola" as "gross and transphobic" in a recent playlist feature. Liz Fuller from London countered this view, arguing that the song was groundbreaking for its time, celebrating a trans character over five decades ago when discussions about transitioning were far less open. Fuller emphasised that the track should be seen in its historical context rather than judged by modern standards.
Queries Over Driverless Taxis in London's Future
John L Morton from Pontypridd raised concerns about the introduction of self-driving taxis in London, as reported by Steve Rose. Morton questioned whether these autonomous vehicles would extend their services south of the River Thames, potentially competing with traditional black cabs and reshaping urban transport dynamics in the capital.
Tributes and Humour in Remembering Chuck Norris
Following the obituary for Carlos Ray Norris, known as Chuck Norris, Robert Frazer from Salford offered a light-hearted tribute with a classic "Chuck Norris fact": "Chuck Norris did not die – he defeated life!" This playful note added a humorous twist to the remembrance of the action star, reflecting his iconic status in popular culture.
Linguistic Curiosities from Readers Across the UK
The letters section also featured quirky linguistic observations from readers. Roger Wilkinson from Leasgill, Cumbria, explained that in his household, a "smidgen" is used when sharing wine, often equating to two tinctures. Meanwhile, Caroline Westgate from Hexham noted that in Scotland, a "dod of porridge" translates to a dollop, showcasing regional variations in everyday language.
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