23.07.2026 18:50
England's leading wealthy individuals have raised their voices against growing economic inequality. In a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, 120 millionaires, including globally renowned figures such as former footballer Gary Lineker, called for increased tax rates on the wealthy and urged social solidarity.
120 millionaires in the UK, including former footballer Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno, sent an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham demanding higher taxes for the wealthy. Organized by "Patriotic Millionaires," the letter emphasized that the richest individuals who derive their income from wealth should pay more taxes.
"THOSE WITH WEALTH-BASED INCOME SHOULD PAY MORE TAXES" The letter stated that no additional tax burden should be imposed on working people, saying, "We can afford it. Our demand is that the richest segment, whose income comes from their accumulated wealth, should be taxed more." The signatories argued that this step would reduce income inequality in society.
PROPOSAL FOR A 2 PERCENT WEALTH TAX Patriotic Millionaires proposed a 2 percent wealth tax on fortunes exceeding £10 million. The statement read, "Millionaires are patriotic people. We love this country and want it to succeed. But success requires investment, and one of the largest untaxed sources of capital today lies in our hands."
REACTION FROM THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch reacted to the call, specifically targeting Gary Lineker. Badenoch said, "If he wants to pay more taxes, he can gladly do so. He can write a check to the Treasury; no one is stopping him."
Gary Lineker GOVERNMENT STATEMENT Minister of State for the Treasury Emma Reynolds welcomed the willingness of wealthy individuals to pay more taxes. However, she stated that comprehensive changes to the tax system would be announced during the budget period, noting that voluntary donations are already possible under the current system.
BURNHAM DID NOT CLOSE THE DOOR ON WEALTH TAX Prime Minister Andy Burnham, shortly before taking office, had not completely ruled out a wealth tax when asked about it. Burnham had said that he "might have to ask for a bit more tax" in the future.
Andy Burnham FAMOUS NAMES AMONG THE SIGNATORIES In addition to Gary Lineker and Brian Eno, the open letter was signed by Richard Curtis, director of the film Notting Hill, former Greggs CEO Ian Gregg, crime writer Val McDermid, and economist Gary Stevenson. The group leading the campaign argued that a fairer distribution of wealth and economic power would benefit both the economy and social welfare.