Patriotic Millionaires Urge PM Burnham to Raise Wealth Taxes

A group of 120 wealthy individuals, calling themselves the Patriotic Millionaires, sent an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham requesting a tax increase on the ultra-wealthy. Signatories, including Gary Lineker and Brian Eno, proposed a 2% tax on wealth exceeding 10 million pounds to reduce inequality and fund public infrastructure.

Prime Minister Burnham, who has previously suggested a wealth tax to ensure fairness, received the proposal amid varying government reactions. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds welcomed the initiative but noted that any formal policy changes would be reserved for a future budget announcement.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the petition's premise, suggesting that individuals who wish to contribute more to the state could simply write a check to the Treasury. The Patriotic Millionaires argued that wealth and power have been concentrated among too few people for too long, while supporters of the move emphasized that paying a fair share is a basic national value.