Hedgehog Wins Contest to Replace Historical Figures on UK Cash
Historical figures including the UK’s wartime prime minister Winston Churchill will be replaced on the country’s banknotes by images of an Atlantic puffin, a barn owl, a buff-tailed bumblebee and a European hedgehog, the Bank of England said.
The Bank of England announced that historical figures such as Winston Churchill will be replaced on UK banknotes with images of an Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog. The animals were chosen following a public consultation, which revealed nature as the most popular theme. Despite initial criticism, especially from right-leaning politicians like Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, the BOE proceeded with the plan, taking into account the views of wildlife experts and half a million members of the public.
The new notes aim to enhance security and showcase the UK's diverse wildlife. Churchill has been on the £5 note for the past decade, while other banknotes feature Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing. The exact design for each denomination is yet to be decided, with the process to introduce the new banknotes expected to take several years. The monarch's portrait, King Charles III, will remain on the reverse side of all notes.
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