Summary
The Bank of England plans to replace historical figures on banknotes with images of British wildlife. This decision aims to improve security against counterfeit notes and celebrate nature in the UK. A panel of experts will help decide which wildlife images may be used, with the public having a say in the final choice.
Key Facts
- British wildlife will appear on future Bank of England banknotes instead of historical figures.
- The main purpose of the change is to make the notes harder to counterfeit.
- Historical figures have been on UK banknotes for over 50 years.
- A panel of wildlife experts will create a shortlist of animals and birds to feature on the new notes.
- The public will be consulted on their preferences before the final wildlife images are chosen.
- Current banknotes in the UK feature figures like Sir Winston Churchill and Jane Austen.
- A public consultation found wildlife to be the most popular theme, with 60% of voters supporting it.
- Wildlife currently appears on some UK banknotes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
