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  "path": "/money/bank-of-england-attenborough-paddington-churchill",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-26T23:01:01.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Bank of England issues economy warning amid US-Iran war: 'Keeps me up at night!'",
    "Bank of England to hold urgent crisis talks as new system could drain Britain's cash machines",
    "Bank of England boss issues inflation warning as global economy set for 'very big energy shock'",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nThe British public’s preferred choices for the next generation of banknote designs have been revealed, with Sir David Attenborough, Paddington Bear and Sir Winston Churchill among the most popular suggestions.\n\nThe survey follows the Bank of England’s decision to adopt a wildlife theme for future notes.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nSir David, the broadcaster and natural historian, ranked highly among public submissions ahead of his 100th birthday next month, according to the Press Association.\n\nThe wartime prime minister, whose portrait currently appears on the £5 note, was the fourth most commonly suggested figure.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPaddington Bear, the fictional character from Darkest Peru, also featured prominently in responses to the consultation.\n\nWildlife emerged as the most popular theme overall, with the Bank receiving more than 44,000 responses during last year’s consultation.\n\nSix in 10 respondents selected nature as one of their preferred themes, ahead of options including architecture, historical figures, arts and sport, innovation and notable milestones.\n\nMore than 1,000 individual suggestions specifically referenced wildlife, making it the most frequently proposed topic.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Sycamore Gap tree, which was cut down in September 2023, was among the most commonly mentioned ideas, alongside guide dogs.\n\nEngland’s 1966 World Cup victory and the National Health Service were also frequently highlighted, as were castles, cathedrals, national parks and transport‑related themes.\n\nThe Bank of England’s decision has prompted criticism from some political figures.\n\nReform UK leader Nigel Farage described the wildlife theme as “woke” and criticised the potential removal of Sir Winston from banknotes.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Bank of England issues economy warning amid US-Iran war: 'Keeps me up at night!'\n  * Bank of England to hold urgent crisis talks as new system could drain Britain's cash machines\n  * Bank of England boss issues inflation warning as global economy set for 'very big energy shock'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIn a video posted on X, he said: “This is how PC mad and looney everyone’s gone, including the Bank of England. I think it’s absolutely crackers,” adding that replacing Britain’s wartime prime minister with “a picture of a beaver” would represent the “definition of woke.”\n\nConservative leader Kemi Badenoch also criticised the move away from historical figures.\n\n“Changing the pictures to put wild animals on them is a silly thing to do. I absolutely do not support it,” she said, adding that she would prefer to see more historical figures featured on banknotes.\n\n“I would quite like to see Margaret Thatcher on a banknote. I think she was Britain’s greatest peacetime prime minister.”\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Bank of England has defended its approach, citing both security and cultural considerations.\n\nVictoria Cleland, chief cashier at the Bank, said: “The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK.”\n\nShe said nature offers practical advantages for authentication while also reflecting the UK’s natural heritage, calling it “a great choice from a banknote authentication perspective”.\n\nA further public consultation is expected this summer to decide which specific animals will feature on the new banknotes.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "David Attenborough and Winston Churchill among top picks for new banknotes as wildlife theme sparks 'woke' backlash"
}