Fear not – Sark is still boringly safe | Brief letters
When a newborn baby dies because the mother has been left alone with no medical care in a privatised prison, the time has come for political change (Inquiries launched into death of baby in prison cell, 9 October). Handwringing apologies which ignore the fact that four women have also died at HMP Bronzefield since 2016 are indicative of the increasing collapse of penal provision. A country is judged by its prisons and this latest disaster would have Elizabeth Fry turning in her grave.
Shirley Harrington
Bury, Greater Manchester
" Our heritage orchard at Woodlands Farm in Greenwich boasts one court pendu plat (How do you like these apples?, G2, 10 October). We've often called it by its old English nickname, "the wise apple". So called because it blossoms late, so flowers miss spring frosts. After almost 20 years we're still waiting for a fruit to try. Perhaps that's another reason why it's so rare.
Maggie Jones
Blackheath, London