Brian Eno among UK millionaires asking to be taxed more: “We can afford it”
Brian Eno has joined forces with the campaign group Patriotic Millionaires to ask the UK government to increase their taxes.
More than 100 British millionaires have signed the open letter, which has urged the new UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to start taxing the richest individuals in the country more of their income.
Other prominent signatories include former England footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker, director Richard Curtis, author Julia Davies, and former Greggs bakery chief Ian Gregg.
The letter to Burnham reads, “As our country takes its first step on a new road with you, we hold onto hope and promise: not just for millionaires like us, but with hope in every heart for a better life for everyone. We know our country – its regions, cities, towns, and villages – deserve a better hand than what they’ve been dealt for these last four decades.”
It adds, “As millionaires we have a clear message for you, our new Prime Minister: tax us. We are proud to pay and here to stay.”
The letter later notes, “We want you to tax us. 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.”
Meanwhile, Lineker added, “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.”
The Patriotic Millionaires group are in support of a two per cent tax on any individual with a wealth of over £10 million.
Burnham, who only officially took over on July 20th, has already made a number of changes that have been received well, such as capping bus fares at £2.
He’s also slashing business rates for music venues, clubs, and pubs by 20 per cent, which will save the average venue £1,100 per year.
The Night Time Industries Association has welcomed the move, stating that it has shifted “confidence across the sector and create renewed optimism that our concerns are being heard”.
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