Newly released data from a freedom of information request has revealed the public's top suggestions for the next series of Bank of England banknotes, with Paddington Bear and Sir David Attenborough among the favourites. The Bank announced last month that historical figures including Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing would be replaced by wildlife imagery, sparking criticism from some politicians.
The top theme, chosen by 60% of respondents, was nature. Other popular suggestions included guide dogs, Paddington Bear, and Sir David Attenborough, who will turn 100 later this month. Further down the list were the 1966 World Cup win, food, TV characters, and the Sycamore Gap tree.
Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland said: '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.'
The shift to wildlife marks a significant departure from the tradition of featuring historical figures, which began in 1970. A second consultation this summer will determine which specific creatures appear on the notes, though the Bank has confirmed household pets will not be included.
