120 Millionaires Urge PM Burnham to Tax Them

More than 120 wealthy individuals in the United Kingdom have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce higher taxes on the country’s richest citizens, saying they are prepared to contribute more to help improve public services and reduce inequality.

The letter, titled “Proud to Pay,” was published on Thursday by a group known as Patriotic Millionaires. Among the signatories are former footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker and actress Julia Davies. The group told Burnham that they support higher taxes on extreme wealth and believe it is the right step for the country’s future.

According to the letter, wealth and influence have become increasingly concentrated among a small number of people, creating growing economic inequality and placing pressure on democracy, public services, and the environment. The group argues that additional tax revenue could be invested in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and support for small businesses.

Gary Lineker said that while many ordinary people are struggling with the rising cost of living, Britain’s wealthiest citizens are in a position to contribute more. He described paying a fair share of tax as an important British value and called on the government to introduce measures that would create a fairer society.

Responding to the campaign, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds welcomed the willingness of wealthy individuals to pay more tax but stressed that any significant tax reforms would only be announced during the government’s official budget process. She added that tax policy must be considered carefully as part of the wider economic picture.

Prime Minister Burnham has previously indicated that his government may ask the wealthiest people to make a greater financial contribution. Speaking earlier this week, he said Britain needs a stronger sense of fairness and suggested that a wealth tax could be considered.

Research by economists Gabriel Zucman of the Paris School of Economics and Ben Tippet of King’s College London estimates that introducing a 2% annual tax on fortunes exceeding £100 million could generate around £10 billion in revenue each year while helping to reduce wealth inequality.

Patriotic Millionaires has proposed an even broader measure—a 2% annual tax on wealth above £10 million—which the group says could raise approximately £24 billion annually. It also argues that reforms to capital gains tax could generate an additional £12 billion for the UK economy.

The campaign reflects growing debate over how the government should balance public finances while addressing widening wealth inequality and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing many households.