Published • loading... • Updated
Bank of England axed 'elitist' Winston Churchill from banknotes after being told he was 'divisive'
The central bank said the new notes will keep the British monarch on the front while the public chooses among shortlisted species.
- The Bank has launched a public consultation inviting citizens to select native wildlife for the next series of £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes, with voting open via The Wildlife Trusts website until July 3.
- Replacing historical figures like Sir Winston Churchill and Alan Turing aims to "increase counterfeit resilience," The Bank said, after Savanta research found portraits were "elitist" and not representative of UK diversity.
- A panel of experts including wildlife filmmaker Gordon Buchanan and presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff helped select the shortlist across categories like Mammals, Birds, and Amphibians, while photographers Jon Hawkins and Terry Whittaker contributed imagery.
- Although the public votes on preferred animals, Bank Governor Andrew Bailey will make the final decision on new designs, while the British monarch remains featured on the front of each note.
- The Bank will announce the consultation outcome by the end of 2026, though a detailed multi-year process for design, testing, and printing is required before the next banknote series officially launches.
Insights by Ground AI
20 Articles
20 Articles
The Bank of England is to replace Winston Churchill with national animals on British banknotes. The bank itself argues that the switch is needed to prevent further fraud with counterfeit banknotes. But now a report is causing a stir.
·Copenhagen, Denmark
Read Full Article
Wilts & Gloucestershire StandardReposted by 
Stroud News & Journal
Stroud News & JournalGloucestershire residents urged to back pine marten for banknotes
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust is urging local people to back the pine marten in a national vote to decide which animals should appear on future…
·Stroud, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left2Leaning Right6Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Right
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
55% Right
L 18%
C 27%
R 55%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
