A group of 120 millionaires in the United Kingdom has urged newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase taxes on the country's wealthiest individuals, saying they are willing to contribute more to support investment in public services and reduce inequality.
The signatories, organized under the banner of Patriotic Millionaires, released a "Proud to Pay" letter calling for higher taxes on extreme wealth and arguing that wealth and power have become increasingly concentrated.
The letter states that the additional revenue could be used to strengthen public infrastructure, support small businesses and reinvest in communities across the country.
The letter tells Burnham: "As millionaires we have a clear message for you, our new Prime Minister: tax us. We are proud to pay and here to stay."
It also argues that "wealth and power has been concentrated in a small group for too long," calling for what it describes as a fairer distribution of resources.
Former footballer and broadcaster Gary Lineker, musician Brian Eno and several other prominent figures are among the signatories.
The group supports a 2% annual tax on wealth above £10 million, saying it could generate substantial revenue, while also advocating reforms to capital gains taxation.
A separate economic report cited by supporters estimated that a 2% minimum annual tax on individuals with assets exceeding £100 million could raise around £10 billion each year.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Emma Reynolds welcomed the willingness of wealthy individuals to contribute more but said any significant tax decisions would be made during a future Budget.
She noted that individuals are already able to make voluntary payments to the Treasury through an official government donation facility.
Burnham has previously indicated that his administration may "ask for a little bit more" in taxes and has not ruled out the possibility of a wealth tax, saying he believes greater fairness is needed.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch responded by saying those seeking to pay more tax are free to make voluntary contributions without changes to tax policy.
The latest appeal follows similar campaigns by Patriotic Millionaires in previous years, reflecting continued debate over wealth taxation in the United Kingdom.