Millionaires Ask Burnham to Tax the Wealthiest More

More than 120 UK-based millionaires, including former England footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno, have signed an open letter calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase taxes on the wealthiest people in Britain.

The letter, organised by the campaign group Patriotic Millionaires, argues that those with substantial wealth should contribute more to help fund public services and reduce inequality. It states: “We want you to tax us. We can afford it.” The signatories stress they are not calling for higher taxes on ordinary workers, but on people whose wealth generates much of their income.

The group backs the introduction of a 2% annual tax on personal wealth above £10 million, claiming such a measure would generate billions of pounds for investment in public services while affecting only a small proportion of the population.

The appeal comes as Burnham has indicated he wants a fairer tax system but has so far stopped short of committing to a wealth tax, saying all options remain under consideration as his new government prepares its first Budget.