Burnham does not rule out wealth tax
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to rule out a wealth tax, citing the need for fairness and the difficult financial decisions ahead. While maintaining pledges not to raise income tax or VAT, he suggested that the government may need to find new revenue streams.
Why it matters
The potential introduction of a wealth tax represents a significant shift in economic policy that could impact high-net-worth individuals and the broader UK fiscal landscape.
Image source, PA Media By Joshua Nevett Political reporter Published 42 minutes ago Andy Burnham has not ruled out a wealth tax, suggesting his incoming government may have "to ask for a little more" tax at some point.
Burnham, who is due to become prime minister on Monday, was asked whether he was considering a wealth tax in an interview , external with former footballer and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker.
The Labour MP said he would take time to review the state of the public finances and wanted to focus on "bringing people together" rather than creating "new divisions".
"I'm not going rule things out right now," Burnham said. "I do believe we need a greater sense of fairness."
The former Greater Manchester mayor said "decisions to be taken in time" were "going to be difficult".
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