UK Millionaires Urge Prime Minister to Tax Them More

London – A group of over 120 millionaires, including prominent figures like former footballer Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno, have penned an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. They are calling for higher taxes specifically targeting the wealthiest individuals in the UK.

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We can afford it. We're not talking about higher taxes on those who get up and go to work for their income every day, but on the very richest whose income is derived from the wealth they hold.

The signatories, organized by the group Patriotic Millionaires, argue that increased taxation on the richest citizens is necessary to create a more equitable society. Their proposal focuses on a 2% tax on wealth exceeding £10 million, aiming for a "devolution of wealth and power from the very richest."

"We can afford it," the letter states, clarifying that the proposed tax would not affect those who earn their income through daily work. "Millionaires are a patriotic bunch. We love this country and we want it to succeed."

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Millionaires are a patriotic bunch. We love this country and we want it to succeed.

However, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded pragmatically, suggesting that individuals like Gary Lineker are free to pay more tax voluntarily. "He can write a cheque to the treasury, no one is stopping him," she commented.

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He can write a cheque to the treasury, no one is stopping him.

This renewed appeal follows similar campaigns in previous years. Prime Minister Burnham had previously indicated openness to the idea of a wealth tax, suggesting he might "have to ask for a little more" tax at some point. The Patriotic Millionaires' latest call emphasizes the need for reinvestment into regional assets through wealth redistribution.

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need to embrace a new kind of devolution of wealth and power, from the very richest in order to reinvest back into our greatest asset in every region