Gary Lineker and Millionaires Ask Andy Burnham to Impose Wealth Tax

A group of 120 well-off Britons, including former footballer bbc.co.uk and music producer AOL, have written an open letter to Prime Minister nme.com asking to be taxed more. Organised by express.co.uk, the letter tells the government: 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.

Gary Lineker and Millionaires Ask Prime Minister Andy Burnham for Wealth Tax

The signatories state that success requires investment and a primary source of untouched capital investment is sitting with us, in untaxed potential, adding that the policy would foster a more equal society and lead to a devolution of wealth and power from the very richest. The campaign group supports a 2% tax on wealth exceeding £10 million, which it claims could raise £24 billion a year for the UK.

Signatories and Broad Public Debate

Alongside Lineker and Eno, other prominent figures who signed the open letter include filmmaker nme.com, former Greggs chairman AOL, Scottish crime writer bbc.co.uk, and economist AOL. Lineker stated that paying a fair share is a basic British value and that the richest people can do more.

An aerial view on St Helier focusing on its government building — Photo: BBC

However, the proposal has faced immediate pushback from political opponents and policy analysts. Conservative leader bbc.co.uk and Robert Jenrick argued that Lineker and other signatories are welcome to write a cheque to the Treasury or make voluntary donations if they want to pay more. Daniel Herring of the Centre for Policy Studies warned that wealth taxes are unfair, unworkable, and send a signal that Britain is not a place for aspiration, investment or success, while Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride added that another tax rise is the last thing the country needs.

Government Response and Broader Context

Chief Secretary to the Treasury AOL stated that she welcomed the fact that people of good means want to pay more, noting that individuals can use a voluntary donation facility on gov.uk. However, she emphasized that any major tax changes would be announced during a Budget. Prime Minister Andy Burnham—who entered 10 Downing Street following Keir Starmer’s resignation—did not rule out a wealth tax when asked about it by Lineker prior to becoming prime minister, suggesting he may have to ask for a little more tax at some point.

Millionaires ask Andy Burnham to tax them more. #GaryLineker #AndyBurnham #BBCNews

The call for increased taxation on the wealthy coincides with Burnham’s announcement of several cost-of-living and business support measures, including business rate cuts for pubs and clubs, capping bus fares, and cutting VAT on energy bills. These policies have raised questions from critics regarding how they will be funded. Meanwhile, Brian Eno defended the proposal by telling the BBC that the current tax system is very generous to rich people and dismissed concerns that millionaires would leave the UK en masse if taxed further.