David Attenborough and Winston Churchill among top picks for new banknotes as wildlife theme sparks 'woke' backlash

Joe Sledge
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:01:01 +0000

The British public’s preferred choices for the next generation of banknote designs have been revealed, with Sir David Attenborough, Paddington Bear and Sir Winston Churchill among the most popular suggestions.

The survey follows the Bank of England’s decision to adopt a wildlife theme for future notes.

Sir David, the broadcaster and natural historian, ranked highly among public submissions ahead of his 100th birthday next month, according to the Press Association.

The wartime prime minister, whose portrait currently appears on the £5 note, was the fourth most commonly suggested figure.

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Paddington Bear, the fictional character from Darkest Peru, also featured prominently in responses to the consultation.

Wildlife emerged as the most popular theme overall, with the Bank receiving more than 44,000 responses during last year’s consultation.

Six in 10 respondents selected nature as one of their preferred themes, ahead of options including architecture, historical figures, arts and sport, innovation and notable milestones.

More than 1,000 individual suggestions specifically referenced wildlife, making it the most frequently proposed topic.

The Sycamore Gap tree, which was cut down in September 2023, was among the most commonly mentioned ideas, alongside guide dogs.

England’s 1966 World Cup victory and the National Health Service were also frequently highlighted, as were castles, cathedrals, national parks and transport‑related themes.

The Bank of England’s decision has prompted criticism from some political figures.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the wildlife theme as “woke” and criticised the potential removal of Sir Winston from banknotes.

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In a video posted on X, he said: “This is how PC mad and looney everyone’s gone, including the Bank of England. I think it’s absolutely crackers,” adding that replacing Britain’s wartime prime minister with “a picture of a beaver” would represent the “definition of woke.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also criticised the move away from historical figures.

“Changing the pictures to put wild animals on them is a silly thing to do. I absolutely do not support it,” she said, adding that she would prefer to see more historical figures featured on banknotes.

“I would quite like to see Margaret Thatcher on a banknote. I think she was Britain’s greatest peacetime prime minister.”

The Bank of England has defended its approach, citing both security and cultural considerations.

Victoria Cleland, chief cashier at the Bank, said: “The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK.”

She said nature offers practical advantages for authentication while also reflecting the UK’s natural heritage, calling it “a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective”.

A further public consultation is expected this summer to decide which specific animals will feature on the new banknotes.