Gary Lineker has joined a group of more than 100 British millionaires in urging the new prime minister to impose a tax on the wealthiest citizens.
The signatories, organised by Patriotic Millionaires UK, signed a letter demanding that the government levy a tax on wealth rather than on ordinary income earners.
Lineker added that “paying your fair share is a basic British value, but so many ordinary people are already paying more than they can afford. Our richest people can do more and most want to.” He called for a tax that would reflect the country’s national values.
The campaign proposes a 2 per cent levy on wealth over £10 million, which could generate £24 billion annually, and calls for reforms to capital gains tax that would raise an additional £12 billion.
Such a levy would primarily affect founders and family‑owned businesses, many of whom are already navigating reduced reliefs on company sales. A tax based on assets rather than income also raises questions about how illiquid wealth, such as private company stakes, could be used to meet tax obligations.
Economists Gabriel Zucman and Ben Tippet estimate that a 2 per cent charge on households with more than £100 million in assets would raise £10 billion each year and impact fewer than 1,000 of the wealthiest households.
Prime Minister Burnham has not ruled out a wealth tax, stating that the government may “ask for a little more.” He has suggested that the Labour manifesto contains “some room” for tax movement.
The call comes amid debates over how the new government will fund its cost‑of‑living measures, including a capped bus fare and an £850 million electricity bill cut that critics say is unfunded.
Business leaders point to a constrained economy, high debt servicing costs, and a fragile fiscal position, arguing that any spending commitments must be clearly funded.
Signatories argue that the solution lies with the very wealthy, who can help reduce inequality and raise revenue for public services, and they question how the resulting funds would support small businesses or alter incentives for entrepreneurs.
Key signatories include Gary Lineker, Richard Curtis, Val McDermid, Gary Stevenson, and many others who describe themselves as a patriotic group committed to the country’s success.
