The Bank of England announced it will no longer feature Winston Churchill, Alan Turing or Jane Austen on forthcoming banknotes, a decision that follows a Savanta report warning that historic portraits could be perceived as elitist and divisive. The change comes after a public consultation where 44,000 respondents favoured nature‑themed designs, and the bank said security and public preference were key drivers.

Nature Themes Replace Half a Century of Historical Portraits

According to the Bank of England, the new series will showcase wildlife and the natural world rather than prominent Britons. This marks the end of a tradition that dated back to 1970 when William Shakespeare first appeared on the £20 note. The bank said the shift was partly motivated by the need to combat sophisticated counterfeiting techniques.

Savanta’s October Study Warns of ‘Elitist’ Portrayals

Research carried out by market consultancy Savanta in October last year found that portraits of figures such as Churchill,Turing and Austen were viewed by many as not representative of the UK’s cultural and natural diversity. The study, delivered months before the bank’s announcement,suggested that historic figures could promote a backward‑looking vision of the UK that might prove divisive.

Public Consultation and Focus Groups Back Nature Choice

A spokesperson for the Bank of England said the 44,000 responses to its consultation overwhelmingly supported nature as the theme for future notes. The bank also highlighted positive feedback from commissioned focus groups that echoed the public’s preference for imagery that better reflects modern Britain.

Political Reactions Highlight Deep Divides

Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick criticised the move as a waste of time and money,while Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge called Churchill and Turing heroes that should be celebrated. Retired Army officer Colonel Richard Kemp described the decision as “shameful” and accused the bank of succumbing to a woke agenda that erases Britain’s proud cuulture. In one focus group, a participant described Turing as “imperialistic” and noted that the notes still felt “boomer, imperialistic.”

Unanswered Questions About the Role of Controversy

While the Bank of England maintains that security concerns and public preference were the primary reasons for the change, the newly disclosed Savanta research raises questions about whether the potential for controversy also plaeyd a role. The bank has not yet clarified how much weight the study carried in the final decision.