Can anyone actually afford to live in the UK anymore? That’s the burning question posed by social media influencer Prudishfish in a now-viral video that has set off a storm of discussions about the country's economic future. Her blunt advice to young people—"If you're under 40, leave the UK"—has struck a chord with thousands, igniting debates on social media about rising costs, declining quality of life, and an exodus of the wealthy.

Millionaires Are Leaving—Should You?

In the video, Prudishfish highlights a troubling trend: a staggering 10,800 millionaires left the UK in 2024 alone, making it the second-highest wealth outflow in the world, just behind China. That’s more than double the previous year’s numbers—roughly one millionaire packing their bags every 45 minutes.

This isn’t just a niche issue affecting the ultra-rich. The exodus translates to a significant loss of taxpayers, with one millionaire’s tax contribution reportedly equal to that of 49 average taxpayers. The departure of the wealthy has sparked concerns about economic stability, public funding, and the government's ability to sustain social services.

According to the UBS Global Wealth Report 2024, Britain is on track to lose 17% of its millionaires by 2028, marking the largest decline among 36 countries analyzed. With real estate included in the equation, the UK could see more than half a million high-net-worth individuals relocating in just five years.

Social Media Backs the Bold Statement

While Prudishfish’s advice may sound extreme, social media users seem to agree. The video has racked up nearly a million views, with commenters sharing their own experiences of feeling financially squeezed in the UK.

"Blame this government and the previous one; they destroyed the UK," one frustrated user wrote.

"I left in 2016. Switzerland is awesome, and I'm on track to be a millionaire in a year or so," boasted another.

A third user, who had spent 17 years in the UK, explained why they were packing up for Australia: "Everything now costs more for nothing amazing. We stopped eating out because pub food is overpriced and terrible. Train travel? A joke—nearly £300 for a return ticket from Oxford to Cornwall. In Australia, you can travel four hours by train for around £5."

A Symptom of a Bigger Problem?

The UK’s economic challenges have been making headlines for years, from skyrocketing rent and home prices to rising taxes and stagnant wages. But the mass exodus of the wealthy, combined with a growing number of disillusioned young professionals considering a move abroad, signals a deeper crisis.

The government’s recent move to end the resident non-domicile taxsystem, which allowed foreign-born residents to avoid paying UK taxes on overseas income, has been cited as a major factor behind the millionaire migration. However, many argue that it's not just the ultra-rich who are feeling the squeeze—middle-class professionals and young workers are also struggling to see a viable future in Britain.

Prudishfish’s video may have started as a thought-provoking take on the numbers, but it has turned into something much bigger—a wake-up call for those who feel trapped in an economy that no longer works for them.

For some, leaving may be the best option. But for others, the real question remains: Is the UK doing enough to keep its talent and wealth from slipping away?

Economic Times