Current debate around the crisis in the prison service focuses on short-term remedies to a crisis (Law and order on UK streets would break down if jails became full, say police sources, 12 July). The need is for a more fundamental response. The baseline is the Prisons Act of 1952, which was nodded through parliament. One failing is that convicted and remand prisoners are held under the same rules. The moral humanitarian requirements are outdated. The service is in crisis because its baseline is irrelevant to our modern society.
Bill Abbott
Former governor, Pentonville prison
• Polly Toynbee (Opinion, 8 July) and Zoe Williams (Opinion, 10 July) make strong cases for proportional representation. The elephant in the room, however, is that we need to encourage higher turnout. This election saw the lowest turnout since 2001. PR might just convince the “don’t knows” and “can’t be bothereds” to engage in the democratic process.
Christine Walters
Buxton, Derbyshire
• In reply to Jane Sutherland (Letters, 14 July), we have our Guardian directly delivered, since our local paper shop stopped accepting vouchers. Delivery time can be as early as 4am, never later than 6am. On Saturday, the thump of the weekend edition hitting the hall floor often wakes me up.
Liz Fairhurst
Banstead, Surrey
• Jane Sutherland could consider moving to Folkestone. Our Guardian is usually delivered by 4am. It often wakes us up before the seagulls do.
Jenny Rayner
Folkestone, Kent
• What does Elizabeth Baker suggest new MPs do if there are no suitable buses to travel around their constituencies (Letters, 11 July)?
Ron Brewer
Old Buckenham, Norfolk
• Do you have a photograph you’d like to share with Guardian readers? If so, please click here to upload it. A selection will be published in our Readers’ best photographs galleries and in the print edition on Saturdays.
