Call me politically naive

but I really didn't know that there's a Commons all-party beer group.

It's good to know that our politicians are willing to set aside their differences and work together on the really important things.

And who is this hero of the people (Liberal Democrat MP) Greg Mulholland, who says, "The government needs to wake up to the importance of the pub"?

We need more leaders like him! I can't help noticing that the Chancellor plans to fund his VAT cut by increasing tax on beer:

VAT to be cut from 17.5% to 15% from 1 December 2008 until 31 December 2009. The chancellor urges retailers to pass it on as soon as they can. Alcohol and tobacco prices will not fall as duty on them will be increased to match the VAT cut.

We won't even be able to afford to drown our depression sorrows.