Bank of England launches public vote on wildlife-themed banknotes, replacing historical figures
The Bank of England has announced a shortlist of 18 native UK animal species for public consultation as potential central images on the next series of £5, £10, £20, and £50 banknotes, replacing historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, and Alan Turing. The shortlist, developed by wildlife experts, includes mammals like the bottlenose dolphin and red fox, birds such as the Atlantic puffin and barn owl, and species from amphibians, insects, and fish including the basking shark and Emperor dragonfly. The public can vote for up to two animals per category until July 3, 2026, though the final selection will consider design clarity and may not reflect the most-voted species. The redesign is part of a periodic update to enhance security and accessibility features, with the final decision expected by year-end and new notes years away from circulation.
Both sources agree on the core facts of the Bank of England's wildlife banknote initiative, but diverge significantly in framing and emphasis. Daily Mail emphasizes political controversy and uses a more sensational tone, while The Guardian provides a more comprehensive account by including technical rationale (security), prior public input, and additional stakeholder perspectives like the RSPCA. As a result, The Guardian offers a more complete and balanced coverage.
- ✓ The Bank of England has released a shortlist of 18 native UK animal species to potentially feature on the next series of £5, £10, £20, and £50 banknotes.
- ✓ The new designs will replace historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, and Alan Turing as the central images on the notes.
- ✓ The shortlist was compiled by a panel of wildlife experts and includes animals from three categories: mammals, birds, and a combined group of amphibians, insects, and fish.
- ✓ The public consultation allows individuals to vote for up to two animals per category, and the voting period runs until July 3, 2026.
- ✓ The final decision on which animals will appear on the notes will be made by the Bank of England, with the governor not necessarily selecting the most popular choices due to design clarity and differentiation requirements.
- ✓ The Bank of England states that updating banknotes is part of a regular process to incorporate improved security and accessibility features.
- ✓ The new notes will not be issued for several years, and the final decision will be announced by the end of 2026.
Emphasis on political controversy
Places strong emphasis on political backlash, quoting Tory leader Kemi Badenoch calling the move 'erasing our history' and describing the decision as 'total bonkers'. The criticism is framed as a central narrative element.
Mentions political criticism but in a more contextualized way, noting Farage's 'absolutely crackers' comment and Badenoch's 'silly thing to do' remark, but positions this after the policy rationale and downplays it by noting the beaver (which Farage referenced) was not even on the list.
Rationale for the change
Does not mention anti-counterfeiting or security upgrades as a reason for the redesign. Focuses instead on the symbolic shift from historical figures to wildlife.
Explicitly frames the redesign as 'primarily an anti-counterfeiting measure' and notes that updated security and accessibility features are a core justification. Wildlife is presented as a secondary benefit.
Environmental and ethical critique
Does not mention any critique from animal welfare or conservation organizations.
Includes a critical perspective from the RSPCA, which argues the Bank should feature less 'well-loved' animals like pigeons, rats, and seagulls, suggesting a broader ethical or representational concern.
Framing of public consultation
Highlights the controversy and public emotion, using playful language ('reaching into your pocket for a dolphin'), suggesting a whimsical or contentious tone around the process.
Presents the consultation as a data-driven process, noting that wildlife was the most popular theme from a prior public consultation, thereby legitimizing the shift.
Daily Mail
Framing: Daily Mail frames the event as a controversial and politically charged decision, emphasizing public and political backlash over the replacement of historical figures. The tone is sensational and leans into the perceived absurdity of the change.
Tone: Sensational and critical, with a focus on controversy and public reaction
Sensationalism: Headline uses whimsical phrasing ('reaching into your pocket for a dolphin') to frame the story as quirky and attention-grabbing, suggesting a lighthearted or sensational approach.
"Reaching into your pocket for a dolphin, or lending a mate a hedgehog?"
Framing by Emphasis: Repeated reference to 'controversially' and use of strong political quotes (e.g., 'total bonkers', 'erasing our history') frames the decision as politically divisive and emotionally charged.
"The Bank controversially announced earlier this year..."
Omission: Focuses heavily on political backlash without explaining the technical rationale behind the redesign, omitting key context about security upgrades.
"But the Bank is pressing ahead with the scheme..."
Loaded Language: Uses emotionally loaded language to describe critics' views without balancing with institutional justification.
"described as 'total bonkers' by critics"
The Guardian
Framing: The Guardian frames the event as a policy-driven update with both symbolic and technical motivations. It presents the wildlife theme as a public preference and situates the controversy within broader institutional and security contexts.
Tone: Neutral and informative, with a focus on policy rationale and balanced perspectives
Balanced Reporting: Opens with a straightforward summary of the shortlist, avoiding exaggerated language and presenting the news as a policy update.
"Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees are among the wildlife that could feature..."
Proper Attribution: Explicitly states that the redesign is 'primarily an anti-counterfeiting measure', providing technical context absent in Daily Mail.
"However, it is primarily an anti-counterfeiting measure."
Comprehensive Sourcing: Notes that wildlife was the most popular theme from a prior public consultation, legitimizing the decision through democratic input.
"Wildlife was the most popular theme for the new banknotes..."
Comprehensive Sourcing: Includes a critical but niche perspective from the RSPCA about underrepresented animals, adding depth and diversity to stakeholder viewpoints.
"The RSPCA has also criticised the Bank, saying it should focus on less well-loved animals..."
Misleading Context: Clarifies that Farage’s criticism referenced a beaver, which was not on the list, thereby correcting a potential misperception.
"In the end, no beaver appeared on the shortlist."
Puffins, dolphins and bumblebees in running to feature on new UK banknotes
Reaching into your pocket for a dolphin, or lending a mate a hedgehog? Brits can now vote on animal images for bank notes