We’ve all heard the warning, usually whispered in trembling tones by certain newspapers or think tanks: “Careful now… if we tax the rich, they’ll all leave!”

Oh no, not that. Imagine the tragedy: private jets queuing on the runway, chauffeurs sobbing at Heathrow, and a nationwide shortage of superyacht berths. Britain would never recover.

Except, of course, it would.

This myth that the super-rich will pack their bags the moment they’re asked to chip in is one of the most persistent fairy tales in modern politics. And funnily enough, it’s mostly peddled by people funded by, or working for, the super-rich. What a coincidence.

Why They Really Stay

The truth is, Britain is a magnet for wealth because it’s safe, civilised and, despite the drizzle, a rather beautiful place to live. We have the rule of law, the English countryside, and Waitrose. All things billionaires value far more than a slightly smaller tax bill.

They’re not exactly rushing off to start a new life in Azerbaijan. Most would sooner tolerate a 50% tax rate than give up the Cotswolds, Wimbledon tickets and the reassuring knowledge that their Range Rover is safe in the driveway.

The Great Hoarding Act

Let’s be honest, paying a bit more tax on billions wouldn’t exactly leave them choosing between heating and eating. They wouldn’t even notice. A rounding error in their wealth could fund an entire NHS trust for a year.

Yet they continue to hoard, shuffle, and stash their money in places so sunny they’ve probably forgotten what clouds look like. Meanwhile, the rest of us keep the lights on, the bins emptied and the schools running.

It’s working people who actually pay for Britain. They pay every penny of tax owed because they can’t hide it in the Cayman Islands. Then, to add insult to injury, they’re told the country’s woes are the fault of poor people, migrants, or someone claiming Universal Credit. Convenient, isn’t it?

The Real Cost

While ordinary workers keep the country ticking over, the billionaires are quietly cashing in dividends, buying up half of London and reading newspaper editorials they funded about how the “tax burden” is too high. You have to admire the brass neck.

The truth is, they cost us dearly. Their wealth sits idle, doing very little for the society that made it possible. The result is that moderate earners carry the load and public services crumble under the weight of neglect.

A Better Way

Something has to give. Taking back control of public services would be a good start. Properly funding the NHS, schools and local councils isn’t radical; it’s basic common sense.

And yes, asking billionaires to contribute to the country that made them billionaires might sound like heresy in certain circles, but it’s really just fairness.

If a few of them decide they can’t bear to part with an extra three per cent and flee to Monaco, let them. We’ll struggle on somehow without their deep concern for the common good. The country will still be here, grey skies, green fields, bad trains and all and maybe, just maybe, a little fairer.