120 wealthy Britons, including Gary Lineker and Brian Eno, have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging a 2% levy on fortunes over £10m to fund public investment and reduce inequality. The letter, organized by Patriotic Millionaires, says most millionaires back the idea and that voluntary donations are already possible via the Treasury. Government figures welcomed the sentiment but said any major tax changes would be announced at the Budget.
Gary Lineker and 119 Other Millionaires Urge Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Back a Wealth Levy
(left to right) Gary Lineker, Val McDermid and Gary Stevenson are some of the signatories asking to be taxed more. [Getty Images / Shutterstock]
A group of 120 wealthy Britons, including former England striker Gary Lineker and music producer Brian Eno, has written an open letter to new Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging higher taxes on the ultra‑wealthy. Organized by the campaign group Patriotic Millionaires, the signatories argue that a modest levy on large fortunes would help fund public investment and promote greater economic equality across regions.
What the Letter Asks For
The letter calls for a 2% tax on net wealth above £10 million, reasoning that it would unlock untapped capital for reinvestment into services and infrastructure. "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," the group wrote.
"Millionaires are a patriotic bunch. We love this country and we want it to succeed ... A primary source of untouched capital investment is sitting with us, in untaxed potential."
Signatories and Support
Alongside Lineker and Eno, other signatories include filmmaker Richard Curtis, former Greggs managing director Ian Gregg, crime writer Val McDermid, and equality campaigner Gary Stevenson. Patriotic Millionaires say their own polling shows a majority of millionaires support higher taxes on the wealthiest.
Government Response
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded by saying Lineker is "very welcome to pay more tax — he can write a cheque to the Treasury, no one is stopping him." Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds welcomed the sentiment but noted that any substantive tax changes would be announced at the Budget and pointed to the Treasury's existing donation facility for voluntary contributions of cash or stock.
Context and Reactions
Andy Burnham did not rule out a wealth tax when asked about it shortly before taking office, saying he may "have to ask for a little more" in revenue at some point. Lineker, who was among the BBC's highest-paid presenters before leaving the corporation, reportedly earned around £1.3m a year and has an estimated net worth of about £30m.
The call follows similar campaigns in previous years and is part of a broader debate in the UK about wealth, inequality, and how best to finance public services and regional investment.
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