UK millionaires ask Andy Burnham to tax them more
A group of 120 wealthy British citizens, including Gary Lineker and Brian Eno, has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham advocating for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy. The group, organized by Patriotic Millionaires, argues that a 2% wealth tax on assets over £10m would help address inequality and fund public investment.
Why it matters
This highlights a growing movement among the elite to address wealth disparity through policy reform rather than voluntary philanthropy.
Image source, Getty Images By Faarea Masud Business reporter Published 23 July 2026, 10:34 BST Updated 10 minutes ago Millionaires including former footballer Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno have written to new prime minister Andy Burnham asking to be taxed more.
In an open letter, 120 well-off Britons told Burnham: "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."
Organised by Patriotic Millionaires, the letter said it would lead to a more equal society, and urged a "devolution of wealth and power from the very richest".
People can already quietly give money or stocks voluntarily to the Treasury using its donation facility.
The group supports a 2% tax on wealth over £10m.
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