More than 100 wealthy individuals based in the UK, including former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, have signed a letter urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to implement a tax on their riches.

The letter, organized by the group Patriotic Millionaires UK, advocates for increased taxes specifically on the wealthiest individuals in the UK, rather than on average workers.

Andy Burnham has expressed support for a wealth tax in the past and recently indicated that his administration might need to request more financial contributions from the wealthiest members of society.

Patriotic Millionaires and Tax Justice UK are proposing an annual 2% tax on wealth exceeding £10 million, a move that would impact approximately 20,000 people in the UK, which is less than 0.04% of the population.

Gary Lineker, one of the signatories to the letter along with 120 other millionaires, emphasized the importance of unity in creating a more equitable society, stating, “Our wonderful country deserves our collective support. I am honored to stand alongside individuals across the UK who aspire to live in a more equal society.”

He further emphasized the need for the wealthiest individuals to contribute their fair share, asserting that increasing taxes on extreme wealth levels is essential for a fairer, more promising future for Britain.

Before assuming office, Andy Burnham did not dismiss the idea of a wealth tax during an interview with the former footballer, indicating a commitment to fairness and transparency in governance.

Wes Streeting, who recently became Defense Secretary, endorsed this taxation measure when he resigned from Keir Starmer’s Cabinet in May, highlighting its effectiveness as a tool for wealth redistribution.