A group of 120 British millionaires, including football legend Gary Lineker and music producer, Brian Eno, have sent a letter to new United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham demanding to be taxed more.

Organised by Patriotic Millionaires, the millionaires, who said they can afford higher tax rates, made the request in an open letter. They noted that a two per cent tax increase on wealth over £10 million could help raise over £24 billion a year.

“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 letter said. 

“Millionaires are a patriotic bunch. We love this country and we want it to succeed. But success requires investment and a primary source of untouched capital investment is sitting with us, in untaxed potential,” the organisation added.

Others wealthy individuals who signed the letter include Richard Curtis, director of Notting Hill and Ian Gregg, former managing director of Greggs and son of the bakery chain’s founder. 

Scottish crime writer Val McDermid and former financial trader turned equality campaigner Gary Stevenson also signed the letter.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, acknowledged the letter but noted that any major changes would be announced during a budget. 

She, however, directed the signatories to the Treasury’s donation link. 

“I welcome the fact that people of good means are saying that they want to pay more. They can pay more,” Ms Reynolds said.