British Millionaires Ask for Wealth Tax: 'We Are Proud to Pay'

A group of over 100 British millionaires, including prominent figures like former footballer Gary Lineker, screenwriter Richard Curtis, and author Val McDermid, have publicly called for a wealth tax. In an open letter to the new Prime Minister, they express their willingness and desire to be taxed on their substantial assets, arguing it is a matter of fairness and national values.

The initiative, organized by Patriotic Millionaires UK, specifically proposes a 2% tax on wealth exceeding 10 million pounds. The signatories believe this measure could generate an estimated 24 billion pounds annually for the state treasury. They emphasize that this tax would target the extremely wealthy, whose income derives from accumulated fortunes, rather than burdening ordinary working individuals.

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Vi vil at du skal skattlegge oss. Vi har råd til det. Vi snakker ikke om høyere skatter for dem som står opp og går på jobb hver dag, men på de aller rikeste, hvis inntekt kommer fra formuen de sitter på, står det i brevet.

Gary Lineker stated his pride in joining the movement for a more egalitarian society. He asserted that paying one's fair share is a fundamental British value, contrasting it with the struggles of many ordinary people who already pay more than they can afford. Lineker added that the wealthiest can and should contribute more, reflecting a shared desire among many to foster a more just and hopeful Britain.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has reportedly responded by suggesting Lineker is welcome to pay more voluntarily. However, the signatories maintain that a structured wealth tax is necessary to ensure significant revenue generation and address wealth inequality. Their proposal aligns with a broader sentiment, as a recent report from the Paris School of Economics and King's College London also suggested a targeted minimum tax on extreme wealth, potentially raising 10 billion pounds annually from fewer than 1,000 of the richest families.

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For å leve opp til våre nasjonale verdier må den nye regjeringen øke skattene på ekstreme formuer, slik at vi får et mer rettferdig, bedre og mer håpefullt Storbritannia, legger Lineker til.