AS WE become more dependent on new technology it is chilling to see Channel 4's sci-fi drama series Humans portray a world where robots are for sale as home-helps.

Robot technology is already happening to us mere mortals with sat navs and smart phones.

It's micro chips with everything, thanks to scientists who promised we would have more time on our hands – how ironic we now have less, thanks to such inventions as the iWatch.

According to a recent survey by crisp-maker Seabrook, we have even upgraded the traditional picnic basket.

Families now pack their iPads, speakers and laptops alongside the thermos flasks inside the wicker baskets.

And as we sit on commuter trains it seems everyone is tapping into their mobiles.

Sadly we never seem to switch off. I admire the school in Shropshire that made the pupils go on a seven day digital detox. We should all try it.

While watching PM’s Question Time, I wondered if some of our MPs are robots judging by the emotion-less looks - staring each other out from both sides of the despatch box.

But it is the front-benchers – government and opposition – that irritate me most with robo-speak.

Many seem to be like the characters in Humans (known as Persona Synthetics), devoid of personality as they reel out pre-programmed responses. I wondered if they have huge barcodes on their backs concealed by their power suits?

In the coming months we will be hearing a lot from Labour’s leadership contenders and more debates about Europe.

I ask MPs of all parties to watch Humans. We real humans need to be spoken to in a language we understand.

Happily, the Synths in Humans can be taken back to the manufacturer – so politicians beware – the same can happen to you at election time.

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THE Queen's Birthday Honours, like the New Year gongs come and go and still many of us wonder why some people get recognised and others get snubbed.

My congratulations and thumbs-up this time around, therefore, to Michael Bond – the 89-year-old creator of Paddington Bear.

He has sold 35 million books and been translated into 30 languages.

He has rightly been honoured for services to children’s literature.

Anyone who has seen this joyous film will recall a wonderful sequence outside Buckingham Palace where our Peruvian hero befriends a guardsman.

And now we hear this could become a reality.

Michael, who makes a cameo appearance in the movie, is delighted at being recognised but praises the 'real' star.

"I do think that my pleasure is mostly directed at Paddington getting it because he is a very real person to me."

Mr Bond is hoping to take the much-loved marmalade addicted bear along on the day.

I can see the CBE medal now sparkling on that blue duffle coat.

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AND finally...Jilly Cooper was riding high in the best-seller lists long before 50 Shades of Grey gate-crashed the erotica shelves.

But now fans of her sexy tomes are getting all hot and bothered that the revamped 35th anniversary saucy cover of her 1985 blockbuster – Riders – has been toned down and erotically air-brushed.

But it is still red-hot inside.

I attended the press launch of the television version of Riders in the early 90s, along with a collection of Fleet Street’s finest showbiz media and some freelancers from various magazines.

We chatted, and then the former journalist was surprisingly candid when she was asked about the breakdown of her own marriage.

She was about to expand on the sensitive subject, as we reporters had pens poised, when the clearly concerned public relations lady said: "One last question".

And then a voice squeaked: "Ms Cooper, what filling do you like in your jacket potatoes?"

We sat open-mouthed as Jilly left the room bemused but laughing.

And who was the anonymous interrogator with the culinary Pulitzer Prize poser?

A freelancer for the Potato Marketing Board magazine.

PS – I believe the spud filling was tuna.

Peter Grant