We are yet again paying the price of another ‘woke’ rebrand; this time, the burden will fall on our own pockets. British banknotes are set to change as the historical figures will be replaced by images of wildlife. This spells the end for the figures who have featured on the notes for over 50 years. A panel of experts will create a wildlife shortlist to put before the public, who will vote on their desired image. This came amid a survey of themes in which nature emerged as the most popular, winning 60% of the vote — historical figures came third with 38%. The Bank’s governor, who believes it is time to celebrate another ‘important’ aspect of the nation, will make the final decision on what will be displayed on the notes. They will be put into circulation in a few years’ time. The suspense is palpable.
Why try to fix something that is not broken? 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. These figures include Winston Churchill, Alan Turing, JMW Turner and Jane Austen; without their influence, Britain would not be the great nation it is today.
Winston Churchill was introduced on the five-pound note in 2015 and the Governor of the Bank at the time stated: ‘it seems entirely appropriate to put Sir Winston on what is probably our most popular note’. Why has the Bank now decided to scrap him? Churchill is the greatest Prime Minister in Britain’s history. He was vital to victory in the Second World War, providing resolute, defiant leadership that prevented British surrender. His inspiring rhetoric boosted national morale during periods of crisis, such as the Blitz, while his strategic alliance-building secured crucial support from the US and USSR. We should be grateful for him, not neglectful.
Alan Turing’s portrait from 1951 was added to the new £50 note in 2021. He was a pivotal British mathematician and computer scientist whose work fundamentally shaped the modern world. He is primarily known for developing the theoretical foundation for computers, cracking German codes during the Second World War, and pioneering artificial intelligence. His innovations helped bring the war to an end and stimulated the birth of the digital age. Jane Austen is another prestigious figure, as her books and famous heroines helped shape British literature.
These important and distinguished figures will now be replaced with an otter or a badger, which feels like a direct attack on British culture. We should be celebrating and cherishing them, not making them victims. This has sparked backlash and outrage from key political figures, including Ed Davey. If you find yourself on the same side as him, then something is definitely wrong. He is against the changes, arguing: ‘Winston Churchill helped defeat fascism in Europe. He deserves better than being replaced by a badger’. Alex Burghart MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, was also less enthusiastic, saying: “It is deeply depressing that under Labour our national heroes are considered too ‘divisive’ to be on the banknotes. Most countries celebrate their history — ours should too.”
But this is not the first time we have seen attempts to erase vital aspects of Britain. A fishing heritage museum in Grimsby was caught in the ‘woke net’ as the council planned to give it a ‘makeover’ to address potential links between the town’s fishing industry and historical themes of colonisation, racism and slavery. They should instead be celebrating the success and bravery of the fishermen, who were vital during the Second World War. An art museum in Manchester was another victim. What used to be a fascinating exhibition of British art is now a journey down guilt-lane: a yellow wall dedicated to “the theme of migration, with a focus on empire and colonisation, trade, gendered experience and feelings aroused by the comfort of home”.
This news comes at a time when war is heavily escalating in the Middle East, with the UK facing the brunt of the problems. The economy is set to face a massive decline, with inflation likely to rise. Global oil prices have surged, and there could be a lengthy disruption to energy supplies, meaning gas bills and the price of petrol will inevitably increase. The Bank of England should be prioritising how it will handle the economy, and not deciding on what flower or animal to put on our banknotes. Although, will we even see any banknotes in our hands given the current state of the economy?
Our nation’s unwillingness to embrace anything that makes us Great Britain is troubling. By erasing and altering aspects of our history, we risk erasing more than just facts and figures — we slowly erode the groundwork of what made us one of the greatest and most respected countries on the global stage.
Jack Watson is a 17-year old currently studying at Wyke College in Hull. You can read his Substack about following Hull City FC here. Follow him on X here.
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Really nothing to waste angst or annoyment on, it is though quite amazing that the rebrand isn’t restricted to Black Britons, Islamic Art or images of Green Energy generation.
Yes it peeves that the implication is shame for white indigenous heritage personalities, but if anyone doesn’t want these new banknotes I’d be happy to give them a good home.
We have bigger and more important battles to fight.
We rejected the EU and the Euro when we were members. Now we are making our notes as bad as the Euro notes.
At least the €notes don’t get frequent redesigns and are consitent across all member states – unlike the frankly silly situation in the (disunited) UK where there is no central bank, except the BoE, and there are peculiar NI and Scottish banknotes that shops in England won’t sometimes accept.
For the avoidance of doubt I am not an EU fan.
This is part of the godamned socialist plot to fuck up the U.K. and it’s memory Starmer must Die in agony now and all his fucking useless government also must die in agony.