UK millionaires ask Andy Burnham to tax them more
BBC News 2026-07-23 09:34:48
Context: In the UK, a group of 120 millionaires, including former footballer Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno, have written an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham asking to be taxed more, citing a desire to contribute to a more equal society. The letter, organized by Patriotic Millionaires, suggests that a 2% tax on wealth over £10m would be a suitable measure. This call for higher taxes on the wealthy follows similar campaigns in previous years.
Key Facts
- The open letter was signed by 120 well-off Britons, including notable figures such as Gary Lineker, Brian Eno, Richard Curtis, and Ian Gregg, who are advocating for a higher tax on the wealthy to promote a more equal society.
- The group, organized by Patriotic Millionaires, specifically supports a 2% tax on wealth over £10m as a means to achieve this goal.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham did not rule out a wealth tax when asked about it by Gary Lineker a few days before he became prime minister, suggesting that he may have "to ask for a little more" tax at some point.
- The letter emphasizes that the proposed tax would not affect those who work for their income every day, but rather the very richest individuals whose income is derived from the wealth they hold.
- According to the group, a poll of millionaires found that the majority support a higher tax on themselves, with the letter stating that those who cannot see past their own self-interest have "no place in designing a Britain for the future".