Prominent UK Millionaires, Including Brian Eno and Gary Lineker, Urge PM Andy Burnham to Increase Wealth Taxes

Brian Eno, Gary Lineker and Richard Curtis are among more than a hundred wealthy individuals residing in the United Kingdom who have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase taxes on the highest earners.

The initiative, organised by the group Patriotic Millionaires, was delivered shortly after Burnham assumed office at 10 Downing Street following Keir Starmer’s resignation. In a coordinated appeal, 120 signatories argued that “We can afford it” and emphasised that the burden should fall on those whose income derives from existing capital rather than on working‑class taxpayers.

The signatories described themselves as “a patriotic bunch” who “love this country and we want it to succeed”, noting that untaxed wealth represents an untapped source of investment that could fund a more balanced and equitable society.

Among the initial signatories are presenter‑turned‑footballer Gary Lineker, film director Richard Curtis, musician Brian Eno, and journalist Sasha Bates. The list also includes former Greggs chairman Ian Gregg, economist Gary Stevenson, Signet Jewellers CEO Mike Barnes, TV director Robert Beal, former footballer Georgios Samaras, and authors Val McDermid and Michael Berners‑Lee.

The letter criticised “outdated economic thinking” and self‑interest, stating that “those that can’t see past the end of their own self‑interest have no place in designing a Britain for the future.” It called for a “new kind of devolution of wealth and power” from the richest citizens to reinvest in regional assets.

Lineker, a former England striker, amplified the message, saying the country “deserves all of us to get behind it” and that “paying your fair share is a basic British value”. He stressed that ordinary people already pay too much and that the wealthiest can contribute more, urging the government to raise taxes on extreme levels of wealth for a fairer Britain.

Patriotic Millionaires are advocating a two‑percent levy on individuals with assets exceeding £10 million. Similar campaigns have been launched in previous years to pressure policymakers to increase taxes on affluent Britons, as reported by the BBC News.

Uk residents already have the option to donate money or shares voluntarily through a Treasury donation platform. Burnham has not excluded the possibility of a broader wealth tax, indicating he may “have to ask for a little more” tax during his term.

Since taking office on Monday, 20 July, Burnham has announced several policy changes: a reduction in VAT on household electricity bills from October, a £2 cap on bus fares outside London from January 2027, and a 20 % cut in business rates for music venues, clubs and pubs next year, funded by reviewing tax reliefs for companies like vape shops.

Additional support has been given to the music sector. On Wednesday, 23 July, Burnham confirmed the business‑rate cut for music venues, clubs and pubs, with the savings to be offset by a review of tax breaks for companies like vape shops.

A new “Music Plan” unveiled last week adds £15 million to an existing growth package, bringing the total to £45 million. MPs estimate the scheme will benefit more than 40 000 artists and businesses, support 2 000 projects, and reach millions of children over three years, aiming to broaden access for working‑class talent.

Burnham, known for his enthusiasm for music, has also championed a proposed £1 ticket levy on arena‑level concerts to aid emerging artists and grassroots venues.

Source link