Winston Churchill's image to be dropped from British currency

Winston Churchill, a prominent leader during World War II, will no longer be featured on the UK £5 banknote, as it will be replaced with a nature scene, prompting criticism from lawmakers who argue that he should not be superseded by an image of an otter or badger.

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Other notable figures, including novelist Jane Austen, artist J. M. W. Turner, and mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, will also be phased out from the £10, £20, and £50 banknotes, respectively, as part of a broader redesign effort.

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The next series of banknotes to be issued by the Bank of England will showcase animals native to the UK, marking a shift away from depicting prominent Britons on the currency.

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Possible designs, subject to a public consultation, may feature badgers, otters, frogs, hedgehogs, barn owls, and newts, accompanied by plants and landscapes to complete the scenes.

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The Bank of England has stated that, for over 50 years, it has proudly featured inspirational historical figures on its banknotes, who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership, and values.

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The bank notes that the change to wildlife imagery presents an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK, and will gather public input later this year on the specific wildlife to be featured on the next set of banknotes.

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According to Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland, the primary driver for introducing a new series of banknotes is to stay ahead of counterfeiters, and she believes that nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective.

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Cleland added that showcasing the UK's rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes is a great way to celebrate the country's natural heritage.

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The new banknotes will not be introduced for several years and will continue to feature a portrait of King Charles III on the other side, while banknotes featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation.

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Previous banknotes have featured other notable national figures, including novelist Charles Dickens, physicist and chemist Michael Faraday, composer Edward Elgar, nurse Florence Nightingale, and architect Christopher Wren.

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The most recent series of banknotes, which was rolled out between 2016 and 2021, was printed on polymer for the first time, rather than paper.

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Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticized the new nature theme, stating that Winston Churchill, who helped save the country and Europe from fascism, deserves better than being replaced by a badger.

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Conservative lawmaker Alex Burghart also denounced the decision, calling it "outrageous" and arguing that Churchill earned his place on the £5 note and should not be replaced with an otter.

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Burghart emphasized that the "great people who shaped this nation" should not be forgotten, and that Churchill's legacy should be preserved on the currency.