This is a press release from Patriotic Millionaires UK.
YouTubers Gary Stevenson, economist and author, and Spencer Owen, founder of Hashtag United, are among those taking part in the Super-Rich Tax Match on Friday 9 October at the Tecsoc.com Stadium, Ilford.
The ‘Team Wealth’ vs ‘Team Work’ themed game is organised and supported by Patriotic Millionaires UK, Tax Justice UK, Spencer Owen, also known as Spencer FC, and Barry Ferns, comedian and host of Barry’s Economics. Just like our economy, the game will be rigged – until half time when a ‘wealth tax’ levels the playing field. Can Team Work finally come out on top?
Former England Captain Gary Lineker, a member of Patriotic Millionaires, can’t be there on the night but is backing Team Work for the win. He said:
“It’s time for better teamwork – for the super-rich to play their part and contribute properly to the society that helped create their wealth. I’m all for it, and so are the majority of millionaires and Brits. Too many people are struggling while a select few are richer than ever.”
Gary, who was recently among 120 millionaires to sign Patriotic Millionaires’ open letter calling on the Prime Minister to tax their wealth, added:
“Inequality is draining the potential from our country. This Autumn Budget is an opportunity for our new Chancellor to address this burning issue and reset the UK’s economic system, which has served the wealthiest instead of the workers for far too long.”
Players from TV, comedy, sport and social media are lining up alongside members of Patriotic Millionaires. They include: viral creators Ali Woods, Louisa Munch, Christian Brighty, and Jimmy the Giant. BAFTA award winning comedian and writer Archie Maddocks, and Sapphire McIntosh and Vanessa Puma, co-starring on TV’s Ted Lasso football team.
Broadcaster and presenter of The Trawl podcast, Marina Purkiss, will also be playing, along with football content creator and podcast host Adam McKola, Thomas Atkinson, a double amputee goalkeeper who has represented England, former Blue Peter presenter Richie Driss and members of Patriotic Millionaires.
Faiza Shaheen, Executive Director at Tax Justice UK, said:
“The Budget is time to kick-off sensible reforms that tax the mega-rich fairly, to invest in turning Britain around and improving people’s lives. There’s unbelievable wealth in this country, but it’s held by a tiny minority who have had the system rigged in their favour for too long. The good news is that Burnham and Healey have an open goal in front of them. A wealth tax, and taxing each pound the same – whether it’s income from work or assets – is incredibly popular, pro-worker, and good for the economy. And the revenue can be invested in delivering the reset they promised.”
Two of the tax reforms Patriotic Millionaires UK and Tax Justice UK are calling on the chancellor to introduce at the Budget on 28 October are:
- Equalising capital gains tax with income tax and closing loopholes, raising around £12bn a year.
- Working towards a 2% annual wealth tax on assets over £10mn, raising around £24bn a year and affecting only the very wealthiest.
Free tickets for the Super-Rich Tax Match are available now via Fanbase. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm kick-off.
About Patriotic Millionaires UK
Patriotic Millionaires is a nonpartisan network of millionaires, from multiple industries and backgrounds with groups currently based in the US, UK, France, and Canada. The organisation leverages the voice of wealth to build a better society by changing the system to end extreme wealth and make those with it make their fair and proper contribution.
About Tax Justice UK
Tax Justice UK is one of the country’s leading campaigning and advocacy organisations working to bring about progressive tax reform. We campaign for a fairer tax system that takes more from the very wealthy. A tax system that actively redistributes wealth to tackle inequality; that funds high quality public services that we all rely on; and raises money to tackle climate change and doesn’t subsidise environmentally destructive business. Tax Justice UK is an independent partner of the Tax Justice Network.
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