- The 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.
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