Prominent UK Millionaires Urge Prime Minister Burnham to Implement Wealth Tax

A coalition of 120 wealthy individuals, including former footballer Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno, has petitioned Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce higher taxation on the ultra-rich.

In their open letter, organized by the advocacy group Patriotic Millionaires, the signatories emphasized their willingness to contribute, stating, “We can afford it. This is not about burdening those who earn their income through daily labor, but addressing the untaxed wealth of the very richest.”

The letter advocates for a 2% tax on wealth exceeding £10 million, arguing such measures would foster economic equality and fund investments in national infrastructure. It highlights that voluntary donations to the Treasury, while possible, are insufficient to address systemic wealth disparities.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded dismissively, suggesting Lineker could already “write a cheque to the treasury, no one is stopping him.” The group countered that targeted policy changes, rather than individual gestures, are needed for meaningful impact.

Other high-profile supporters include filmmaker Richard Curtis and Ian Gregg, former managing director of Greggs. The letter underscores a “need to embrace a new kind of devolution of wealth and power, from the very richest to reinvest back into our greatest asset in every region.”

Burnham has not ruled out the proposal, previously stating he may need to “ask for a little more” tax in the future. Patriotic Millionaires emphasized that their polling shows majority support among wealthy individuals for such a tax, framing it as a patriotic duty to create a sustainable economy.

“There are a few people left with outdated economic thinking and others desperate to hold onto every penny,” the letter stated. “Those who cannot see beyond their own self-interest have no place in designing a Britain for the future.”

Source link