This comes from a book review by Will Podmore, in the National Secular Society's weekly e-bulletin:

"Sociologist Phil Zuckerman estimates that there are about 500–750 million atheists, agnostics and unbelievers, which is 58 times the number of Mormons, 41 times the number of Jews, 35 times the number of Sikhs, and twice the number of Buddhists. Atheists, agnostics and unbelievers are the fourth largest group, after Christians (2 billion), Muslims (1.2 billion) and Hindus (900 million)."

As religion increasingly influences British government, schooling, political parties and even so-called socialist organisations, is it not time the world's 750 million atheists found their voice more often?

Thanks to the Old Bailey website, some hidden chapters of class struggle history are again emerging.

Take the case of Thomas Cantwell and Charles Quin, jailed for "seditious libel" for distributing this leaflet and addressing workers at the newly opened Tower Bridge:

"Fellow Workers. You have expended life, energy, and skill in building this bridge. Now come the Royal vermin and rascally politicians with pomp and splendour to claim all the credit. You are condemned to the workhouse and the paupers' grave to glorify these lazy swine, who live upon your labour. I heard men saying, Leave tears and praying, The sharp knife heedeth not the sheep. Are we not stronger than the rich and wronger, when day breaks over dreams and sleep"

"People may not like estate agents, but if they are doing well, everyone else is too. If no one is buying and selling, it is a sign that no one is making any money".

Oh dear. Robin King of Movewithus, quoted in London Lite (14/4/08). His quote started quite well, faded, than rather collapsed before ending badly. And the lad had showed such promise!

Tony Benn appears to be losing his marbles if this contribution to the Stop The War Coalition pamphlet "Five Years On" is anything to go by:

"The Stop the War movement is the most powerful and influential popular political movement of my lifetime and possibly of any period of our history".

Just read that again. In case Benn has not noticed, the Stop the War Coalition failed. Not only did the war go head, but there is no sign of it ending. With success like that, we would hate to see a defeat!

As for powerful political movements - perhaps Benn needs to consider one or two that actually worked - perhaps the Anti-Poll Tax Unions that campaigned so hard against both Labour and Tory councils to defeat the Poll Tax? Whilst Benn was obeying the law and taking the moral high ground, millions of working class people adopted tactics that could win - no wonder he chooses to forget that particular struggle!

Rather than marching in London this Saturday, can we suggest that Viscount Stansgate goes and does something useful instead - like sorting out access for walkers to land on his ancestral home in Essex?

"He lives in bloody Henley! It is frightening that we could end up with someone who doesn't know anything about how 90 per cent of people in this city really live. I would have to go abroad for good."

Actress Sylvia Sims, reacting with horror at the thought of public schoolboy Boris Johnson becoming London's Mayor. (Quoted in the Sunday Telegraph, 9/3/08).

These are the words of London estate agent Trevor Abrahmsohn, on our capital city:

" London is now the capital of the moneyed world; the very rich consider it their second home."

Of the properties they buy:

"A lot of the owners have houses all over the world and like to have a big house in London just as an investment. They are not worried about leaving their houses empty. The property will always make money".

(quoted in Telegraph Property, 16/2/08).

Welcome to easy street. Just don't expect the wealth to trickle down anywhere near you.

"We didn't ask him to leave because whether we like it or not we live in a democracy."

Police Federation spokesman Metin Enver, in Wednesday's Evening Standard, discussing the presence of BNP Mayoral candidate Richard Barnbrook at the front of the Police Federation march.

"During the miner's strike I used to welcome the police, saying that when you are on a demo we will be there with you".

Former Labour MP Tony Benn, who attended yesterdays Police Federation march, proving the adage that there really is no fool like an old fool. (Independent 24/1/08). The ex Scottish 'Socialist' MSP Tommy Sheridan was sadly unable to attend the march due to his bail conditions.

The Police Federation for once allow reality to intrude:

"Our march has received a lot of media attention. It is therefore possible that small groups with any grievance against the police may seek to stage counter demonstrations. The Metropolitan Police are monitoring this, and if need be,will deal with any impromptu protests.We would ask that you do not react to any taunts, do not get involved and allow our Metropolitan colleagues to police as they see appropriate.We do not want other peoples' protests to become the story of the day."

It seems 2007 saw the costs of guarding the royal family rise to over £30 million. This is despite the 'threat' to the royals being judged, by police sources, as lower than at any time in the previous 20 years.

Full marks to Republic for analysing these figures and giving them a public airing, and blaming both the Windsors (for their demands) and the Police (for being soft enough to give in to them). Last word goes to Republic spokesman Graham Smith:

"A quarter of a million pounds spent on looking after a junior royal is a scandalous waste of public money. If Prince Andrew wants personal protection for his daughters, he can pay for private security."