UK to ditch national icons for flora and fauna on new banknotes 

The move by the Bank of England to replace Shakespeare and Churchill with images of wildlife, has caused backlash

Britain’s banknotes are set for a notably wilder makeover, with historical figures such as playwright William Shakespeare and wartime leader Winston Churchill now poised to step aside for images of native wildlife on the next series issued by the Bank of England.

The central bank said on Wednesday that it will ask the public to help choose which birds, animals, and natural scenes should feature on the new £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes, as part of plans to “showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife.”

Other historical figures set to be replaced by animals and birds include painter J. M. W. Turner, mathematician Alan Turing, and novelist Jane Austen, while King Charles III, who became monarch in 2022, will remain on the front of the notes.

The plans have already drawn criticism from some politicians and commentators, who argue that removing figures such as Churchill and Austen risks diluting the historical symbolism of Britain’s currency.

Experts will shortlist species for a public vote, with the Bank of England’s governor making the final call. The new notes are likely to enter circulation in several years.

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Chief cashier Victoria Cleland said the redesign aims to strengthen anti‑counterfeiting while highlighting wildlife, suggesting notes could feature “a bird with its wings flapping” or “a deer running.”

The move follows a consultation process last summer in which a UK wildlife theme topped the poll, receiving 60% of 44,000 nominations. Architecture and landmarks came second with 56%, while notable historical figures ranked third with just 38%.

Since 2016, the Bank of England has replaced paper notes with more secure polymer versions, phasing out paper £20 and £50 notes in 2022, having already removed £5 and £10 notes.

Cash use accounts for just 9% of transactions in 2024, down from 48% in 2014, according to UK Finance.

Historical figures have featured on Bank of England notes since 1970, including Shakespeare, Darwin, and Adam Smith. Churchill joined the £5 note in 2013, with then-governor Mervyn King suggesting it might be dubbed “the Winston” – a nickname that never stuck.