A genuine public outcry has erupted in the UK regarding the future of the national currency. The Bank of England has announced the launch of a large-scale vote, allowing citizens to choose new images for banknotes. However, instead of traditional portraits of outstanding historical figures, representatives of local fauna may appear on the notes.
The main goal of the initiative is to replace human images with depictions of animals. Britons have exactly one month to decide on new symbols for banknotes with denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 pounds sterling.
Beavers vs. Churchill: The Battle for the Five-Pound Note
The fate of the five-pound note has caused the most controversy and outrage. For many years, it has featured Winston Churchill — the Prime Minister who led the country during World War II. For many conservative citizens, replacing the legendary politician with a beaver or a frog seems like an unacceptable disregard for history.
Reform Party leader Nigel Farage harshly criticized the central bank's plans. He accused the institution of excessive liberalism and an attempt to erase the memory of heroes. In the politician's opinion, replacing a figure who saved the country with a rodent is a step into nowhere.
Who Will Make It to the Money: Selection Rules
Wildlife experts have prepared a shortlist of candidates, including 18 species of mammals, birds, insects, and fish. The main requirement is that the species must be "native" to the United Kingdom. Domestic animals were not included in the list, so even the British Bulldog, popular among Churchill fans, has no chance of becoming an image on a banknote.
Since reptiles are absent from the list, the common frog is considered the favorite among amphibians. The Bank of England is looking exclusively for wild species that symbolize the nature of the islands.
The selection process will continue until July 3. The voting mechanism is simple: every citizen can vote for a maximum of two animals in each of the three categories. This will allow the list to be narrowed down to four main candidates.
However, the popular vote is not final. The final word remains with the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey. He must ensure that each new banknote is visually distinct from others and meets security standards.
What Will Happen to Historical Figures?
If the initiative is implemented, other figures will also be at risk of disappearing from banknotes. Their portraits are planned to be gradually withdrawn from circulation, and their names will be sent to history textbooks, freeing up space on the notes for representatives of British wildlife.