[Cherie]

If anyone was listening to Lewis Goodall this week as he stood in for Jobbie, he was advocating that people should no longer inherit anything as they didn't work for it and that it should all go to the State to lower taxes, I believe this is not called Kite flying to see how the public react to proposals being discussed by government,

Lewis Goodall has sparked significant debate by proposing a radical 100% inheritance tax, arguing it is necessary to address wealth inequality and promote a meritocratic society.

Overview of Goodall's Proposal
Lewis Goodall, a journalist and presenter for LBC, has called for a 100% inheritance tax, suggesting that the current system perpetuates inequality and allows wealth to be passed down without merit. He argues that this tax should replace the existing 40% rate on estates above £325,000, which he believes is insufficient to address the growing wealth gap in society. Goodall contends that inherited wealth creates an "aristocracy of wealth," where individuals benefit from unearned assets rather than their own efforts.

Wealth Inequality: Goodall highlights the disparity in wealth distribution, noting that the bottom 50% of the UK population owns less than 5% of total wealth, while the top 1% holds nearly a quarter. He argues that a high inheritance tax would help redistribute wealth and fund public services, thereby leveling the playing field.

Meritocracy: He believes that allowing individuals to inherit large sums without taxation undermines the principles of a meritocratic society, where success should be based on individual effort and contribution rather than family wealth.

Provocative Stance: Goodall admits that his suggestion for a 100% inheritance tax is provocative, aimed at sparking a serious conversation about wealth and taxation in the UK. He emphasizes that the focus should shift from taxing earned income to taxing unearned wealth.

Goodall's comments have ignited a fierce backlash on social media, with many critics labeling his proposal as "insane" and arguing that it undermines the right to pass on wealth to one's children. Critics assert that such a tax would discourage hard work and savings, as individuals would have no incentive to accumulate wealth if it cannot be passed on.

Conclusion
Lewis Goodall's call for a 100% inheritance tax has opened up a contentious debate about wealth distribution, meritocracy, and the role of inheritance in society. While he argues that such a tax is necessary to combat inequality and promote fairness, the public response has been largely critical, reflecting deep-seated beliefs about property rights and family legacy. The discussion continues to evolve as more voices weigh in on this provocative topic.

Thoughts?