UK Opens Vote on 4 Banknote Animals From 18-Strong Shortlist

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 2

July 3 is the deadline for the public to help choose four wild animals that will appear on the next £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes.
The Bank of England shortlisted 18 candidates — including the red fox, barn owl, Atlantic salmon and bumblebee — after an expert-led selection process.
The redesign will replace historical figures such as Winston Churchill, a shift the bank says is part of updating note imagery and security but one that has angered traditionalists.
End-2026 is when the Bank of England plans to reveal the final four choices, with Governor Andrew Bailey making the ultimate decision.

Sources

Left75%

Center25%

How will the Bank of England justify its final animal choices if they differ from the public's most popular votes?

With wildlife replacing historical figures, what does this currency choice reveal about modern British national identity?