The Bank of England intends to swap out historical figures on banknotes with animals selected by the public. Notable figures like Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing will no longer grace the £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes, respectively. Instead, the upcoming series will showcase various UK wildlife options such as a dolphin, fox, butterfly, owl, bumblebee, and shark alongside the monarch on the reverse side.
The selection process has categorized the list into three groups, encompassing a range of species and habitats, with each banknote featuring a distinct animal. Until July 3, individuals are encouraged to pick up to two choices from each category in the consultation.
Ultimately, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey will make the final decision, taking into consideration public input. The institution is seeking feedback predominantly from UK residents and British expatriates, which can be submitted online or by mail. The results of the consultation are expected to be disclosed by the conclusion of 2026.
Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England’s chief cashier, expressed optimism about public engagement in selecting the animals for the new banknote series. She highlighted the diverse wildlife in the UK that the shortlisted animals represent.
Banknotes have traditionally featured historical figures since 1970, with the current series introduced in 2016 with Sir Winston Churchill on the £5 notes. Despite advancements in payment technologies like contactless and mobile wallets, cash remains a preferred method for approximately one in seven individuals, with the total cash in circulation reaching £91.5 billion as of February 2026.
