Why is Britain replacing Winston Churchill picture with wildlife on banknotes?
The Bank of England has announced that the next generation of British pound notes will now feature images of the country’s wildlife instead of historical figures, removing famous faces like Winston Churchill and Jane Austen after public opinion.
According to the Bank of England, the new pound notes will feature hedgehogs, badgers and other British wildlife, while a public consultation found that people liked the nature theme the most and historical figures came in third place.
The decision could also be controversial for some politicians, who have criticized the removal of national icons from the notes. The bank explained that the new notes will feature images that represent Britain and do not discriminate against any class or opinion.
The change comes as the face of the famous war leader Churchill has been replaced by a popular wildlife figure. Following a public vote, the new design of the notes has made the country’s nature the central theme to highlight the value of Britain’s culture and environment.
The Bank of England has confirmed Sir Winston Churchill will be scrapped from banknotes and replaced with images of wildlife.
The central bank will soon ask the public which animals they want to appear on the next set of £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes – but confirmed the wartime hero Prime Minister would not be staying.
The move to replace historical figures with animals was described as “significant” and “overdue” by celebrity bird-watcher Nadeem Perera, who sits on the bank’s panel of wildlife experts who will choose which English species will appear on the next set of banknotes.
A public consultation, held in 2025, revealed that nature was the most popular theme for banknote imagery. Some 60 per cent of respondents chose the theme ahead of architecture and landmarks, notable historical figures, arts, culture and sport, innovation, and noteworthy milestones.
While the monarch will remain on the notes’ front, the decision will remove historical figures including Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing. Mr Perera said: “The wildlife of the UK is not separate from our culture.
“It sits in our football crests, our folklore, our coastlines and our childhoods. Giving it space on something as symbolic as our currency feels both overdue and significant.” Other experts on the panel include broadcasters Gordon Buchanan, Miranda Krestovnikoff, academics Steve Ormerod and Dawn Scott, and Ulster Wildlife’s Katy Bell.
Read also: Preparation of new currency notes enters final stage, State Bank
