Bank of England Selects Wildlife Images for Future Banknotes

The Office for Equality and Opportunity wrote to the Bank of England's chief cashier last summer recommending that future banknotes feature greater representation of women, disabled people, ethnic minority communities and LGBT+ individuals. The letter stated that historical figures on current notes presented an incomplete picture of national identity and that such changes would send a strong signal of progress and recognition.

Civil servants suggested exploring themes around social reform, civic action and education.

They specifically recommended the HMT Empire Windrush, describing the vessel as synonymous and symbolic of the Windrush generation as a whole and arguing that it could provide homage to an entire generation rather than one specific person. Alex Burghart, shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, accused ministers of working behind the scenes to remove iconic figures from currency.

He stated that government officials had been caught conspiring with the Bank of England and that banknotes should feature the greatest Britons rather than being chosen on the basis of equality laws.

A government spokesman said an identical approach had been taken during the 2013 banknote review under the previous administration. The Cabinet Office correspondence proposed highlighting historically under-represented groups whose contributions to the UK have been overlooked. In March the Bank of England announced that wildlife would replace historic figures on future notes.

Last month the Bank launched a public vote on 18 native British species for the next generation of £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes. The poll concluded last week, with Governor Andrew Bailey set to make the final selection.