Former England footballer Gary Lineker is among 120 wealthy Britons who have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging him to increase taxes on the country’s richest citizens.
The open letter, organised by Patriotic Millionaires, argues that the wealthiest people should contribute more to help fund public investment and reduce inequality.
“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 campaign group supports a 2% wealth tax on fortunes above £10 million. It says such a policy would help create a fairer society by redistributing wealth and power.
Other signatories include music producer Brian Eno, filmmaker Richard Curtis, crime novelist Val McDermid, former Greggs managing director Ian Gregg, and campaigner Gary Stevenson.
The letter also states:
“Millionaires are a patriotic bunch. We love this country and we want it to succeed.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed the appeal, saying Lineker was free to pay more tax voluntarily.
“Gary 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 willingness of wealthy individuals to contribute more but said any major tax changes would only be announced during a future budget.
Before becoming prime minister, Burnham did not rule out introducing a wealth tax, saying he might eventually have “to ask for a little more” in taxes.
According to reports, Lineker earned about £1.3 million annually before leaving the BBC and has an estimated net worth of £30 million.
READ ALSO: https://alo360.net/us-saudi-civilian-nuclear-programme-deal/
