While some critics attempt to position forthcoming currency changes as a ‘woke move’ orchestrated by the Green Party, real debate is underway as to which species should be included.
Last week the Bank of England announced it would replace political and historic figures on banknotes with images of nature and wildlife. This comes after a public consultation in which the highest proportion of nominations for new bank note pictures went to native animals and plants.
A second consultation will now be held this summer, determining which species to feature. Options will be based on recommendation from a panel of experts on Britain’s indigenous wildlife.
‘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,’ said Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier at the Bank of England.
‘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,’ she continued. ‘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. I look forward to hearing about the public’s favourite wildlife during our forthcoming summer consultation.’
Some critics — including a BBC Question Time audience member — have hit out at the update, accusing the Bank of ‘surrendering’ to the Green Party and ‘radical left’. Reform’s Nigel Farage has also expressed his outrage at the suggestion ‘giants’ such as Sir Winston Churchill could be ‘replaced by a beaver’. The Bank itself has already confirmed the move is based on making it harder to forge notes, rather than being rooted in symbolism or political allegiances.
Following the announcement, the RSPCA began a campaign to ensure Britain’s ‘least loved’ wildlife isn’t forgotten by the panel. Decision-makers have been called on to give ‘under-appreciated’ animals the spotlight, and a seat at the table, with pigeons, gulls and foxes all making the charity’s own shortlist.
‘Showcasing our native wildlife on everyday banknotes is a wonderful way to celebrate the animals that we share our towns, cities and countryside with – including the ones who don’t always make the ‘most-popular’ lists,’ said Geoff Edmond, wildlife expert at the RSPCA.
‘While some animals are obvious favourites, there are many amazing animals that we see everyday that are often overlooked, or misunderstood,’ he continued. ‘What about the pigeons who have been our friends for thousands of years, or rats, with their amazing memories, or even gulls, with their amazing levels of intelligence? They are all fascinating wild animals in their own right – and deserve recognition too.’
According to the RSPCA Kindness Index 2025, the British public now wants the organisation to prioritise the protection of native wildlife. This is the first time the issue has ranked higher than ensuring people properly care for their domestic pets. 50% of respondents also suggested animal welfare is a nationally important topic.
Image: Nathan Anderson / Unsplash
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