Gary Lineker among millionaires asking Andy Burnham to tax them more

Millionaires including Gary Lineker, Brian Eno and Val McDermid have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce higher taxes on the very wealthy. Their open letter argues that taxing accumulated wealth more heavily could reduce inequality and provide investment for regions, while drawing criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who said they could voluntarily pay more now.

The letter, organised by Patriotic Millionaires and signed by 120 affluent Britons, backs a 2% annual tax on wealth above £10m. The group says this would target wealth-derived income rather than ordinary earnings; Treasury minister Emma Reynolds said major tax changes would be announced at a Budget, although she welcomed voluntary extra payments. Lineker, reportedly worth £30m, had previously raised the prospect of a wealth tax with Burnham, while Eno said wealthy people often benefit from favourable tax arrangements.