The Bank of England has announced plans to replace Winston Churchill on the UK £5 banknote with a nature-themed design, a move that has sparked criticism from some lawmakers who argue the wartime leader’s legacy should not be replaced by an animal.
The redesign is part of a wider overhaul of UK banknotes. Novelist Jane Austen, artist J. M. W. Turner, and mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing are also set to be phased out from the £10, £20, and £50 notes respectively. The next series will feature animals native to the UK, including potential candidates such as otters, badgers, frogs, hedgehogs, barn owls, and newts, alongside plants and landscapes.
“For more than 50 years, the bank has proudly showcased many inspirational historical figures who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership and values on its banknotes,” the Bank of England said. “The change to wildlife imagery … provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK.”
The Bank plans a public consultation later this year to determine which specific wildlife will appear on the new notes. Chief cashier Victoria Cleland said the decision is also motivated by anti-counterfeiting measures, noting that nature imagery offers practical security benefits while highlighting the UK’s rich biodiversity.
The new banknotes, which will take several years to appear, will still feature King Charles III on the reverse side, and existing banknotes with Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation. Previous banknotes have featured figures including Charles Dickens, Michael Faraday, Edward Elgar, Florence Nightingale, and Christopher Wren.
The announcement has drawn immediate political reaction. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said on X, “Let’s celebrate our wonderful British wildlife, sure, but Winston Churchill helped save our country and the whole of Europe from fascism. He deserves better than being replaced by a badger.”
Conservative lawmaker Alex Burghart called the decision “outrageous,” adding, “He earned his place on our five pound note. He must not be replaced with an otter. The great people who shaped this nation should not be forgotten.”
No comments:
Post a Comment