Bank of England opens voting: who will replace Churchill and others on banknotes — frog, fox, or eagle
The Bank of England has given the British public a month to express their opinions and decide which wildlife animals should be depicted on the £5, £10, £20, and £50 banknotes instead of images of Winston Churchill and other historical figures. This is reported by BBC.
In total, 18 representatives of wildlife — animals, birds, and insects — have been shortlisted. Citizens can share their views on which of these will appear on the upcoming series of banknotes.
As part of the initiative, each proposed species has an equal chance: among them are the bright kingfisher and the common frog.
The idea to replace historical figures, including Sir Winston Churchill, with images of wildlife previously drew criticism from some politicians. At the same time, the public is now officially invited to participate in consultations and choose their favorites.
Domestic animals were not included in the shortlist formed by the wildlife expert group. During the voting, people will be able to select up to six favorites from the proposed list.
Chief Cashier of the Bank of England Victoria Cleland noted that she hopes for active public participation in consultations on the new banknote design. According to her, the selected species demonstrate the diversity of wildlife worth celebrating in the United Kingdom.
Each banknote is planned to feature one species of animal or bird, with citizens able to choose up to two options from each of the three categories. The voting deadline is July 3.
The list of mammals includes: bottlenose dolphin, European hare, European hedgehog, grey seal, tree swallow, and red fox.
Birds represented are: Atlantic puffin, barn owl, common kingfisher, curlew, great spotted woodpecker, and white-tailed eagle.
In the category of amphibians, fish, and insects — Atlantic salmon, giant shark, bumblebee with a fiery tail, common frog, emperor dragonfly, and marsh fritillary butterfly.
The expert group that formed the list included nature program directors and presenters Gordon Buchanan, Miranda Krestovnikoff, and Nadim Perera, as well as Ulster Wildlife representative Katie Bell and scientists Steve Ormerod and Don Scott.
At the same time, the final decision will be made by the Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey. He is not obliged to choose exactly those animals that receive the most support in the vote.
The development, testing, and printing of new banknotes take several years before they are introduced into circulation.
The new series will also retain the monarch's portrait and elements representing national identity. However, for the first time since 1970, well-known historical figures will not be depicted on the reverse side of the banknotes.
Current banknotes in the United Kingdom feature Sir Winston Churchill, writer Jane Austen, artist J. M. W. Turner, and mathematician and cryptographer Alan Turing.
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