Winston Churchill to Be Removed from UK Banknotes as Nature Theme Takes Over

World War II leader Winston Churchill is set to be replaced on the UK £5 banknote as part of a redesign that will feature native wildlife, a decision that has sparked criticism from lawmakers who argue the wartime hero deserves better than being swapped for a badger or otter.

The Bank of England announced that the next series of banknotes will showcase animals native to the UK, moving away from the tradition of featuring prominent historical figures. Churchill, novelist Jane Austen, artist J. M. W. Turner, and mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing will be phased out from the £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes respectively.

Subject to public consultation, potential wildlife candidates include badgers, otters, frogs, hedgehogs, barn owls, and newts, with plants and landscapes completing the scenes.

“For more than 50 years, the bank has proudly showcased many inspirational historical figures who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership and values on its banknotes,” the Bank of England said in a statement.

The institution explained that the shift to wildlife imagery provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the UK while serving practical purposes in banknote security.

Bank of England chief cashier Victoria Cleland noted that staying ahead of counterfeiters was a key driver for the new series.

“Nature is a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective and means we can showcase the UK’s rich and varied wildlife on the next series of banknotes,” she added.

The new banknotes will not enter circulation for several years. They will continue to feature a portrait of King Charles III on one side, while notes bearing the image of the late Queen Elizabeth II will remain in circulation.

The decision has drawn sharp reactions from political figures. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey voiced his disapproval, acknowledging the importance of celebrating British wildlife while defending Churchill’s legacy.

“Let’s celebrate our wonderful British wildlife, sure, but Winston Churchill helped save our country and the whole of Europe from fascism. He deserves better than being replaced by a badger,” Davey wrote on X.

Conservative lawmaker Alex Burghart called the decision “outrageous,” insisting that Churchill earned his place on the five-pound note.

“He (Churchill) must not be replaced with an otter,” Burghart said on X, adding that “the great people who shaped this nation should not be forgotten.”

The bank will gather public views later this year on specific wildlife species to feature. Previous banknotes have depicted other national figures including Charles Dickens, Michael Faraday, Edward Elgar, Florence Nightingale, and Christopher Wren. The most recent series, rolled out between 2016 and 2021, marked the transition from paper to polymer material.