In a complete about face, unusual in politics, the Chancellor, Alistair Darling yesterday urged the nation, "Go on!, Get back on the Fags and Booze!"
Worried by a huge fall in revenue and the need to top up the tax coffers, the gov't has overuled the health ministry with it's innovative initiative.
It is further understood that restrictions on smoking in bars, public places and the London undeground will be reviewed. Advertising has already been de-regulated and gory health warnings abandoned.
The treasury has calculated that it makes £5.50 out of every pack of B and H and can no longer shun such a huge income source.
Challenged by Green MP Lentil Tepid, that "The gov't will rip off the nation in taxes on this disgusting and immoral habit, whilst at the same time saving billions in pensions as the populace dies young". Chancellor Darling countered with, "Tosh, my father drank and smoked all his life until the ripe old age of 43, when he was killed by a brewery truck.
The initiative has been costed by economists, who calculate it will end the recession by May 14th 2009.
