Gary Lineker is among several high-profile millionaires calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase taxes on the wealthy. The former footballer and broadcaster has signed a 'Proud to Pay' letter organised by Patriotic Millionaires UK, urging the introduction of a wealth tax.
Millionaires Back Wealth Tax
The group claims that 80% of millionaires support a 2% wealth tax on assets worth more than £10 million, arguing that most wealthy UK residents would remain in the country if such a levy was introduced. The letter states that a 2% tax on wealth over £10 million could raise £24 billion a year, while reforms to capital gains tax could raise an additional £12 billion.
Lineker, who has an estimated £30 million fortune from his broadcasting career and production company, said: “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 added: “To live up to our national values our new government must raise taxes on extreme levels of wealth for a fairer, better, more hopeful Britain.”
Hypocrisy Claims Over Tax Battle
Lineker's calls for higher taxes have drawn accusations of hypocrisy after his 2023 court battle with HMRC over a £4.9 million tax bill. He successfully argued that he was wrongly charged on income from the BBC and BT Sport from 2013-2014 and 2017-2018. Broadcaster Darren Grimes suggested Lineker make a voluntary donation to the treasury if he wants to pay more tax.
The 'Proud to Pay' letter emphasises that the proposed tax targets extreme wealth, not income from work: “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.”
