WWII Leader Churchill To Be Removed From UK £5 Banknote

Britain is planning a redesign of its currency that will replace portraits of prominent historical figures with images of native wildlife, a move that will see World War II leader Winston Churchill removed from the £5 banknote.

Under the proposal by the Bank of England, the next series of banknotes will feature animals and nature scenes found in the United Kingdom, marking a shift away from the tradition of depicting famous Britons.

As part of the redesign, other well-known figures currently on British currency—including novelist Jane Austen, artist J. M. W. Turner and mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing—will also be phased out from the £10, £20 and £50 notes respectively.

The wildlife-themed designs, which are subject to public consultation, could feature animals such as badgers, otters, frogs, hedgehogs, barn owls and newts, alongside plants and landscapes representing the country’s natural heritage.

“For more than 50 years, the bank has proudly showcased many inspirational historical figures who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership and values on its banknotes,” the Bank of England said in a statement.

It added that the shift to wildlife imagery offers an opportunity to highlight another defining aspect of the United Kingdom.

The central bank said it would seek public input later this year on which animals and natural scenes should appear on the next series of banknotes.

Chief cashier of the Bank of England, Victoria Cleland, explained that one reason for introducing a new design is to stay ahead of counterfeiters.

“Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes,” she said.

The new banknotes are not expected to appear for several years. They will continue to feature a portrait of King Charles III on one side, while notes bearing the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation.

However, the proposed changes have sparked criticism from some British lawmakers.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, said that while celebrating wildlife was welcome, Churchill’s historic role should not be overlooked.

“Winston Churchill helped save our country and the whole of Europe from fascism. He deserves better than being replaced by a badger,” he wrote on social media.

Similarly, Conservative lawmaker Alex Burghart described the plan as “outrageous,” arguing that Churchill had earned his place on the £5 note and should not be replaced by an otter.

Previous British banknotes have featured notable national figures including Charles Dickens, Michael Faraday, Edward Elgar, Florence Nightingale and Christopher Wren.

The most recent series of banknotes, issued between 2016 and 2021, marked another shift in British currency design, as they were printed on polymer rather than traditional paper.