Oliver Dowden asserts that the permanent flying of the union flag will act as “a proud reminder of our history and the ties that bind us” (Government buildings to fly union jack continuously under new rules, 24 March). It is more likely to act as reminder of the culture war that divides us – a war started by his own government.
Michael Woodgate
Bristol
• It would seem that this government of scoundrels has now officially reached its last refuge. That didn’t take long.
Sue Durham
Cambridge
• Re pen pals, for a number of years the Quakers have been writing to men and women in prison (‘A letter tells someone they still matter’: the sudden, surprising return of the pen pal, 23 March). Like Liz Maguire, we write letters to strangers. The connection and communication it gives to both parties is really worthwhile, especially as we outside have a little more understanding of what it is to be incarcerated today.
Christine Hayes
Wokingham, Berkshire
• The other way to make Codewords more challenging (Letters, 23 March) is to not fill in the grid, but do it all in your head. This also works with the quick crossword, with the added advantage of leaving it empty for my wife to do later. Not, however, recommended for an Enigmatist cryptic.
Paul Johns
Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire
• Who is right? Miles Brignall with his “least-worst option” (Consumer champions, 22 March)? Or Chris Maslanka with his “least bad option” (Pyrgic puzzles, 20 March)? For all us pedants, I think we should be told which is the best option.
Neil Petrie
Edinburgh
