Opinion
21 Jan 26

Brian Eno, Mark Ruffalo and Brian Cox sign open letter calling for higher taxes on super-rich

Brian Eno, Mark Ruffalo and Brian Cox.

"When even millionaires, like us, recognise that extreme wealth has cost everyone else everything else, there can be no doubt that society is dangerously teetering off the edge of a precipice," reads the letter.

Almost 400 millionaires and billionaires have signed an open letter calling for higher taxes on the super-rich.

The open letter, released to coincide with the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week, calls on those in attendance to close the widening wealth gap. The forum takes place annually, with governmental, business and societal world leaders meeting to discuss global issues.

Legendary producer Brian Eno, as well as Golden Globe-winning actors Mark Ruffalo abd Brian Cox, are are among the affluent signatories.

"The richest 1% now own more than 95% of the world’s population put together," reads the letter. "The gap between the super rich and everyone else grows larger every day, stretching across neighbourhoods, nations, and, perhaps most of all, generations.

"A handful of global oligarchs with extreme wealth have bought up our democracies; taken over our governments; gagged the freedom of our media; placed a stranglehold on technology and innovation; deepened poverty and social exclusion; and accelerated the breakdown of our planet.

"As millionaires who stand shoulder to shoulder with all people, we demand it. And as our elected representatives—whether it’s those of you at Davos, local councillors, city mayors, or regional leaders—it’s your duty to deliver it. So tax us. Tax the super rich."

This week, Oxfam reported that a record number of people became billionaires last year, taking the global total to over 3,000.

The open letter and full list of signatories are available here.