I recently read a front page report in a national newspaper that contained what was probably the ultimate definition of hypocrisy.

If I’d reworded it as a joke and used it in my stand-up act, the audience would have declared me a comic genius. Okay, they might have tittered a bit . . .

That night, a TV news item covering the same story confirmed that, as ridiculous as it seemed, it was absolutely true.

I’m referring to the Anti-Austerity Rally in Central London, but let me stress that I found nothing funny about the rally or the thinking behind it, because Government cutbacks already affect us in many ways and will continue to do so.

I believe the next figure our ‘beloved’ Chancellor has in mind to save is £12 billion. If you find that amount too enormous to picture, just think of it as the equivalent of a dozen banker’s bonuses.

Already many libraries, day centres and leisure facilities have closed or are under threat and our bins only get emptied on alternate weeks.

I’m aware I’m going off at a tangent (regular readers know I’m inclined to do that), but isn’t it strange that after a couple of years of grumbling, most of us are resigned to accepting reduced bin collections?

‘They Who Are In Power’ knew we would, because us Brits don’t tend to march on the Town Hall with pitchforks and flaming torches very often. Not if it’s a nice day anyway.

That said, if we’re ordered to do even more recycling than we do now (see Phil Evans articles passim) I’ll happily lead the torchlight procession and give the Town Hall front door a good hammering, while shouting “Come out! We know you’re in there! Your bins haven’t been emptied yet!”

I could go on and on (regular readers know I’m inclined to do that), but I must return to my main point.

Among the marchers at the Anti-Austerity rally were millionaires Russell Brand and Charlotte Church.

Fair enough.

The fact they’re rich doesn’t prevent them from caring for the less well-off and I thought it was great they were marching alongside ordinary people for a common cause.

Until I read the article containing that ultimate definition of hypocrisy.

Mr Brand and Ms Church were provided with a V.I.P. Tent.

At an Anti-Austerity rally?

If anyone tells you satire is dead, don’t believe them . . .