Pound banknotes will welcome "new faces" and historical figures such as Churchill will be replaced

China News Service, October 9. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), pound banknotes will usher in a new design with a natural theme. The Bank of England, the Bank of England, announced four animal patterns that will appear on pound banknotes.

Image source: Bank of England website

Atlantic puffins, barn owls, yellow-tailed bumblebees and European hedgehogs will appear on redesigned pound banknotes in the coming years, although it has not yet been confirmed which animals will appear on which denominations.

The Bank of England said the barn owl, yellow-tailed bumblebee and European hedgehog each received the highest public vote in their respective categories, while the Atlantic puffin was selected for its ability to showcase marine life and the UK's coastline and add variety to the new banknote.

Victoria Cleland, Chief Cashier of the Bank of England, said: “We have chosen four unique and inspiring animals that not only showcase the UK’s rich wildlife but will also enhance the security of our banknotes.”

According to reports, a total of 478,531 people participated in the voting and more than 2.5 million votes were cast. The voters ranged from wildlife enthusiasts to primary school students.

The yellow-tailed bumblebee won with an absolute advantage of 360,399 votes, nearly 90,000 more than the barn owl. Within the mammal category, the European hedgehog is the most popular.

The four animals will feature on the £5, £10, £20 or £50 notes respectively, with other natural elements, possibly including other animals, also being incorporated into the design. The portrait of the British monarch will still appear on the other side of the banknote.

British pound data map. Picture source/Visual China

These wild animals will replace famous historical figures on pound banknotes. Among the current pound banknotes, the 5-pound banknote bears the portrait of former British Prime Minister Churchill, the 10-pound banknote bears the portrait of the writer Jane Austen, the 20-pound banknote bears the portrait of the British painter Turner, and the 50-pound banknote bears the portrait of the mathematician Alan Turing.

According to reports, both the leader of the British Reform Party, Nay Farage, and the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, are dissatisfied that Churchill's portrait will be removed from banknotes. Conservative leader Kemi Badenock called the move "a stupid thing to do." Churchill's granddaughter said she was happy the portrait of Churchill had been replaced.