The Bank of England has announced a shortlist of native wildlife that could feature on new UK banknotes, including puffins, dolphins and bumblebees. The move is part of an anti-counterfeiting measure, with updated imagery designed to incorporate the latest security features.
The decision has drawn criticism from some political figures. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it “a silly thing to do”, while Reform UK’s Nigel Farage described it as “absolutely crackers”. The RSPCA also criticised the Bank, suggesting it should focus on less popular animals such as pigeons, rats and seagulls.
The Bank defended the update, stating that banknotes are periodically refreshed to include new security and accessibility features. It said the wildlife theme “provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK”. A panel of wildlife experts helped compile the shortlist, which includes endangered species like Atlantic salmon and the marsh fritillary butterfly.
The public can vote on the shortlist from today until 3 July, selecting up to two animals from three categories: mammals, birds, and a combined group of amphibians, insects and fish. The Bank will choose four distinct animals to ensure the notes are easily distinguishable, meaning the most popular choices may not all be selected if they appear too similar.
The winning animals will replace historical figures such as Jane Austen, Winston Churchill and Alan Turing on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. However, the Bank cautioned that it will be several years before the new notes enter circulation due to the lengthy design and testing process.
