The Bank of England has faced fierce criticism after confirming that Winston Churchill will be replaced by a European hedgehog on the £5 note. The wartime Prime Minister, who led Britain from the brink of defeat to victory against Nazi Germany, will be removed from the banknote following a public consultation that received nearly 500,000 votes alongside guidance from conservationists.
Politicians react with fury
Lord Toby Young, founder and director of the Free Speech Union, said the decision shows bank bosses are a "bunch of p****s." Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick called the move a "joke," while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dubbed it a "silly thing to do."
As reported by The Sun, Lord Young said: "Why have they replaced our greatest-ever Prime Minister with a hedgehog? It's the Bank of England, not the Bank of the Hundred Acre Wood. I suppose it's appropriate because hedgehogs are vulnerable creatures who often end up as roadkill.
"That's probably how the Bank of England views the country. Not as a great power represented by a strong wartime leader, but as a failing nation in terminal decline represented by a bunch of p****s — and that includes the people responsible for this decision."
Security and nature behind the change
The banknote change is driven by the need to update security features to combat counterfeiting and a desire to celebrate British nature. The Atlantic puffin, barn owl and buff-tailed bumblebee will also feature on the next series of banknotes.
Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England's chief cashier, said: "We have chosen four distinct and inspiring animals that not only showcase the great variety of wildlife we have in the UK but will also enhance the security of our banknotes."
Rhys Phillips, the bank's incoming cashier who will be responsible for the roll-out of the new notes, said the design and printing stage could take years. He said the notes will be as resilient and high-quality as possible.
Mr Phillips said: "We'll now work to design, test and produce the banknotes, combining the imagery we've announced today with cutting-edge security features and materials science."
Political backlash continues
The removal of Churchill has drawn criticism from leading politicians. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage branded the move "absolutely crackers."
Ms Badenoch added that "removing Churchill from banknotes is erasing our history." The Tory leader continued: "Changing the pictures to put wild animals on them is a silly thing to do. I absolutely do not support it."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "I can't think of a worse time to do this with a war waging in Europe."
