Gary Lineker, Brian Eno and Other Wealthy Britons Back New Wealth Tax
More than 120 wealthy Britons, including former footballer Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno, have signed an open letter urging newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce higher taxes on the country’s richest citizens.
The letter, organised by the campaign group Patriotic Millionaires, argues that the wealthiest people in Britain should contribute more to help reduce inequality and support public investment.
The signatories said they were not calling for higher taxes on ordinary workers but on individuals whose wealth comes largely from investments and assets rather than employment income.
“We can afford it,” the letter states, adding that greater contributions from the richest members of society would help create a fairer and more prosperous Britain.
Group Supports Wealth Tax on Multi-Millionaires
Patriotic Millionaires is advocating for a 2% annual tax on wealth exceeding £10 million.
According to the campaign, such a measure would generate significant revenue that could be invested in public services, regional development, and economic growth.
The letter argues that Britain’s wealthiest citizens hold substantial untapped financial resources that could help address national challenges if taxed more effectively.
The group also called for what it described as a new redistribution of wealth and power, saying greater investment is needed across all regions of the country.
Supporters believe a wealth tax would help reduce inequality while strengthening the economy and improving opportunities for future generations.
Government Faces Debate Over Wealth Tax
The campaign has reignited the long-running debate over whether Britain should introduce a dedicated wealth tax.
Before becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham did not rule out the possibility of introducing such a measure, suggesting that the government might eventually need to ask the wealthiest people to contribute more.
However, no formal policy has been announced.
The UK Treasury already allows individuals to make voluntary financial donations or transfer shares directly to the government, providing an option for those who wish to contribute additional funds.
Critics Reject Proposal
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the campaign, arguing that wealthy individuals who want to pay more tax are already free to do so voluntarily.
She said Gary Lineker and others could simply make payments to the Treasury if they wished to contribute beyond their legal tax obligations.
Despite the criticism, the campaign insists that voluntary donations are not a substitute for a structured tax policy applied equally to the country’s wealthiest residents.
Campaign Calls for Fairer Society
Other prominent figures who signed the letter include filmmaker Richard Curtis and former Greggs managing director Ian Gregg.
The campaign says many millionaires believe higher taxes on extreme wealth are necessary to build a stronger, fairer society.
According to Patriotic Millionaires, polling conducted by the group suggests that a majority of millionaires support paying more tax themselves.
The organisation argues that long-term national prosperity depends on investing more in public services, infrastructure, and communities, with the wealthiest citizens playing a greater role in funding those investments.
