Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSophie RobinsonMonday 27 April 2026 00:22 BSTBBC Question Time audience member blames 'radical left' for banknotes changeThe Bank of England is replacing historical figures on its next series of banknotes with a wildlife theme.This decision follows a public consultation where nature emerged as the most popular theme, chosen by 60 per cent of 44,000 respondents.Public suggestions for figures included Sir David Attenborough, Paddington Bear and Sir Winston Churchill, who currently features on the £5 note.The move has drawn criticism from politicians such as Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, who described it as “woke” and an “erasure of history”.The Bank of England stated that while counterfeit resilience is the primary reason for new notes, it also provides an opportunity to celebrate the UK's rich wildlife.In fullTop ideas for new banknote design revealed: From Paddington Bear to 1966 World CupThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in