The Bank of England announces a shortlist of animals that could be used on updated UK banknotes, shifting the focus from portraits of historical figures. The proposals are described as part of a redesign that aims to celebrate native wildlife and strengthen anti-counterfeit features.
According to multiple reports, the shortlist includes species such as puffins, dolphins, bumblebees, butterflies and red foxes, with mammal options including bottlenose dolphins. The announcement follows the replacement of older historical figures on banknotes, including Winston Churchill, who has appeared on UK notes since 2016.
The decision also attracts public and political criticism. Commentators and politicians, including Nigel Farage, had argued that the Bank was trying to replace Churchill with an animal—specifically a beaver—though the final shortlist does not include a beaver. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Farage both criticize the plan, though the underlying policy objective described by the Bank is to modernise banknote designs and improve security features. The Bank’s next steps and the timing of any final selection are not specified in the provided reports.
