Why UK is replacing Winston Churchill and other historical figures on currency notes

UK plans wildlife-themed banknotes after public vote

For more than 50 years, British banknotes have carried portraits of towering historical figures from wartime prime minister Winston Churchill to author Jane Austen and mathematician Alan Turing. That long-standing tradition is now set to change. The Bank of England has announced that the next generation of £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes will feature native British wildlife instead of historical personalities, marking one of the biggest design shifts in the country’s currency in decades.

According to multiple reports from British media, Churchill, whose portrait currently appears on the £5 note will eventually disappear from future designs, making way for animals and birds found across the UK. The move follows a public consultation conducted by the central bank to decide the theme for the next series of banknotes.

Why UK decided to change the portraits on currency notes?

The Bank of England says the main reason for introducing a new series is security. Banknotes are periodically redesigned to make them harder to counterfeit, and detailed images from nature such as feathers, fur and intricate patterns can be particularly difficult to replicate. At the same time, redesigning notes also offers an opportunity to highlight different aspects of British identity.

Public opinion reportedly played a key role in the decision. Around 44,000 people responded to consultations and focus groups about possible themes for future banknotes. Nature and wildlife emerged as the most popular choice, with about 60% of respondents selecting it, ahead of themes such as architecture, landmarks, culture and historical figures.

The Bank will now convene a panel of experts including wildlife filmmakers, conservationists and academics to draw up a shortlist of animals and birds native to the UK that could appear on the notes. Members of the public will later be invited to help choose from that shortlist, although household pets will not be considered.

Despite the change in imagery, one long-standing feature will remain. The reigning monarch, currently Charles III, will continue to appear on the front of Bank of England notes, as monarchs have done since 1960. Only the reverse side, which traditionally features notable historical figures, will be redesigned.

The move, however, has already sparked debate. British broadcaster Piers Morgan criticised the decision on X, questioning the idea of replacing one of Britain’s most iconic leaders with wildlife imagery.

“Sorry? We’re going to replace our greatest ever Briton, the man who saved us from the Nazis, with a bloody hedgehog? This is ridiculous,” Morgan wrote in a post reacting to the plan.