Wealthy Campaigners Demand Fairer Tax System
A remarkable coalition of affluent Britons is urging the government to implement higher taxes on the wealthiest individuals to address child poverty and rebuild crumbling public services. The group, calling themselves Patriotic Millionaires, claims that reforming capital gains tax and introducing a new wealth tax could generate up to £36 billion annually for the Treasury.
Budget Timing and National Campaign
This unprecedented appeal comes just weeks before Chancellor Rachel Reeves presents her Autumn Budget to Parliament on November 26. The campaign group has launched a UK-wide 'Tax the Super-Rich' bus tour, taking their message to major cities including Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London.
Phil White, a member of Patriotic Millionaires, stated: "It's time for the wealthiest – people like us – to pay a fairer share, so we can help lift these kids out of poverty and begin rebuilding our public services and communities right across the UK."
Stark Poverty Statistics and Public Service Cuts
The campaign highlights shocking statistics, particularly from Scotland, where one in five children lives in poverty while the country's five richest families own £19.3 billion – more wealth than the poorest quarter of the population combined.
According to their research, more than 200 public facilities in Scotland have either closed or been handed to community groups over the last five years. These closures include 53 community centres and 27 parks, with the group warning that across the UK, one public facility has shut every three days since 2020.
The facilities affected include swimming pools, youth centres, libraries, and children's centres, creating what campaigners describe as a "deeply worrying picture" for communities nationwide.
Support from Charity Sector
Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland and spokesperson for Tax Justice Scotland, commented: "People are watching their local facilities disappear, with wider public services stretched threadbare too. It's encouraging to hear millionaires themselves saying, 'enough is enough', because they know our tax system simply isn't fair."
He added: "Better taxing extreme wealth isn't radical, it's responsible, long overdue, and the UK Chancellor should get on and do it."
Government Responses
A Treasury spokesperson responded that the Chancellor's Autumn Budget will continue to focus on "cutting waiting lists, cutting national debt and cutting the cost of living". They acknowledged that Rachel Reeves recognises "global and long-term economic challenges" but remains committed to "building the strong foundations to secure Britain's future."
Meanwhile, a Scottish Government spokesperson highlighted that Scotland already has "the most progressive income tax system in the UK," noting they ask "those who can to contribute a little more to protect our vital public services." They pointed to a record £15.1 billion provided to councils this year as evidence of their commitment.
The debate over wealth redistribution continues as the November budget date approaches, with wealthy campaigners arguing that systemic tax reform represents the most effective way to address deepening social inequalities across the United Kingdom.
