The Bank of England has revealed that Sir David Attenborough, Paddington Bear, and Sir Winston Churchill are among the most popular public suggestions for new banknote designs. The disclosure came through a freedom of information request following criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who labeled the new wildlife theme as 'woke'.
Public Favorites
Sir Winston Churchill, who currently appears on the £5 note, ranked as the fourth most suggested figure. Sir David Attenborough, the esteemed broadcaster and environmentalist approaching his 100th birthday, featured prominently among top submissions. Over 1,000 ideas related to wildlife made it the most popular topic.
Other notable suggestions include Paddington Bear, guide dogs, and the Sycamore Gap tree, which was illegally felled in September 2023. The 1966 World Cup, the NHS, and castles and cathedrals also garnered public support.
Political Reaction
Reacting to the announcement last month, Nigel Farage stated that replacing Sir Winston with 'a picture of a beaver' is the 'definition of woke'. He described the decision as 'absolutely crackers'. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move as 'erasing our history' and expressed a desire to see Margaret Thatcher on a banknote, calling her 'Britain's greatest peacetime prime minister'.
Consultation Process
The Bank of England invited public theme suggestions in July last year, receiving over 44,000 responses. Nature emerged as the top theme, chosen by 60% of respondents. A further consultation this summer will decide which wildlife will feature on the notes.
Current banknotes bear the portrait of King Charles III or the late Queen Elizabeth II, with historical figures on the reverse: Winston Churchill (£5), Jane Austen (£10), JMW Turner (£20), and Alan Turing (£50).
Bank of England Statement
Victoria Cleland, chief cashier, expressed delight at the public engagement, noting that banknotes remain important to people. She stated that the new series aims to increase counterfeit resilience while celebrating UK wildlife.
The 28 most commonly mentioned themes, in order of popularity, are: 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, and NHS.
