Mr Evans, vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, was part of a cross-party delegation of MPs warning the Chancellor and Prime Minister that more taxes could sound the death knell for the great British pub.

Also in the delegation were leading figures from the brewing industry figures and celebrities "Pub Landlord" Al Murray and Emmerdale actress Adele Silva. They staged a press call at the Red Lion pub, in Westminster, urging the Chancellor to scrap plans for a 2% above inflation duty escalator in tomorrow's Budget.

The MPs then signed a giant postcard and delivered it to Number 10.

Speaking outside Number 10, Mr Evans said: "Pubs are now closing at a rate of nearly 40 a week. Since last year's Budget, 2,000 pubs have shut with the loss of 20,000 jobs.

"The Chancellor already taxes a third of our pints. Increasing beer tax during the current economic climate would be totally unjustified and would condemn thousands more pubs to closure.

"This government has just 48 hours until the Budget to make the right decision and save our pubs".

Our pictures show Mr Evans with Emmerdale actress Adele Silva outside the Red Lion pub in Westminster and with Labour MP Linda Gilroy presenting the signed "Axe the Beer" Tax postcard to Number 10. (s)