{
  "id": 12736466,
  "title": "Hedgehog among four chosen animals to feature on your new banknotes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/hedgehog-among-four-chosen-animals-to-feature-on-your-new-banknotes-12736466",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-07T23:01:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC News",
    "slug": "bbc-news",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwe8ld517ry3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bank of England has announced four animals - the Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog - that will be featured on future banknotes, representing a shift from historical figures on the currency. The selection process involved a public vote, with the puffin included to celebrate marine life and bring variety to the notes. Wildlife is now replacing historical figures, such as Sir Winston Churchill, on the notes. This decision received mixed reactions from politicians, with some criticizing it as unnecessary. The Bank of England's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, stated that the chosen animals represent the UK's diverse wildlife and enhance note security. Wildlife expert panel narrowed down 18 potential species to four, which will appear as the main image on £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes. The Bank aims to create high-quality, secure, and accessible banknotes that incorporate nature-themed designs, including other shortlisted animals.",
  "summary": "The decision comes after nearly half a million people cast their votes from a shortlist of 18 creatures.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Business",
        "title": "Hedgehog among four chosen animals to feature on your new banknotes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/hedgehog-among-four-chosen-animals-to-feature-on-your-new-banknotes",
        "published": "2026-10-07T23:01:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}