The Bank of England has revealed the most popular public suggestions for its next series of banknotes, with Sir David Attenborough, Paddington Bear, and the 1966 World Cup emerging as top contenders. The findings come from a freedom of information request following criticism of the new wildlife theme by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who labelled it 'woke'.
Popular Suggestions
Sir Winston Churchill, who currently features on the £5 note, was the fourth most commonly suggested idea. Sir David Attenborough, the esteemed broadcaster and environmental advocate set to celebrate his 100th birthday next month, also featured prominently. Over 1,000 ideas were related to the wildlife theme, making it the most popular topic overall.
Paddington Bear, guide dogs, and the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree—illegally felled in September 2023—were among other public favourites. Additional suggestions included the 1966 World Cup, the NHS, and castles and cathedrals.
Political Reactions
Reacting to the announcement last month that the notes will feature wildlife, Mr Farage said replacing Sir Winston with 'a picture of a beaver' is the 'definition of woke'. He posted on X: 'This is how PC mad and looney everyone’s gone, including the Bank of England. I think it’s absolutely crackers.'
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also criticised the move last month, saying replacing figures like Sir Winston is 'erasing our history'. She stated: 'If anything, I think that they should be putting more historical figures on banknotes. I would quite like to see Margaret Thatcher on a banknote. I think she was Britain’s greatest peacetime prime minister. Changing the pictures to put wild animals on them is a silly thing to do. I absolutely do not support it.'
Consultation Process
The Bank of England invited public theme submissions in July last year. During the consultation, which saw over 44,000 responses, the public selected from six options: nature, architecture and landmarks, notable historical figures, arts, culture and sport, innovation, and noteworthy milestones. Nature was the top theme, chosen by 60 per cent of respondents.
Another consultation will take place this summer to decide which specific wildlife will appear on the banknotes. The current notes feature portraits of the King or the late Queen Elizabeth II, with Sir Winston on the £5 reverse, Jane Austen on the £10, JMW Turner on the £20, and Alan Turing on the £50.
Bank of England Statement
Victoria Cleland, chief cashier at the Bank of England, said: 'I was delighted by the level of public engagement during our banknote theme consultation last year. The response underlines how important banknotes remain to people. The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK. Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes.'
Top 28 Themes from Consultation
Here are the 28 most commonly mentioned themes from the public consultation in order of popularity: Wildlife, National parks, David Attenborough, Winston Churchill, UK values and identity, Historical events, Transport, Science and Technology, Music, Bridges, Food, Inventions, Diversity, Ships, Women, Fictional characters, TV characters, Sycamore Gap, Artists, 1966 World Cup, Flowers, Paddington Bear, Flag, Legends and folklore, Farming, Castles and cathedrals, Guide dogs, NHS.
