The Bank of England has announced a significant redesign of the UK’s banknotes, planning to replace historical figures including William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill, and Jane Austen with images of native wildlife. The move, part of a new series for £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes, aims to showcase the country’s biodiversity and enhance anti-counterfeiting features. King Charles III will remain on the front of all denominations.
The public will be invited to vote on which birds, animals, or natural scenes appear on the notes after a panel of experts shortlists options based on a prior consultation. That process saw a UK wildlife theme receive 60% of 44,000 nominations, beating architecture and landmarks (56%) and historical figures (38%). Chief Cashier Victoria Cleland indicated designs could feature dynamic imagery, such as “a bird with its wings flapping” or “a deer running,” to improve security.
The decision has already sparked criticism from some politicians and commentators. They argue that removing iconic national figures like Churchill and Austen diminishes the historical and cultural symbolism embedded in the currency. The final selection will be made by the Bank’s governor.
This redesign follows a broader shift to polymer banknotes, which are more durable and secure. Paper £20 and £50 notes were fully withdrawn in 2022, following the earlier replacement of £5 and £10 notes. The new wildlife-themed polymer notes are expected to enter circulation in several years.
The change occurs against a backdrop of sharply declining cash use. UK Finance data shows cash accounted for just 9% of transactions in 2024, down from 48% a decade earlier. While the primary stated goals are security and celebrating nature, the redesign highlights the evolving role and imagery of physical currency in an increasingly digital economy.
Historical figures have appeared on Bank of England notes since 1970, with Churchill featured on the £5 note since 2013. Their gradual replacement with wildlife reflects a deliberate policy shift toward a theme voted on by the public, even as it provokes debate over national identity and representation. The final designs will be closely watched as an indicator of what symbols the UK chooses to project on its most widely handled piece of state-issued material.
