Churchill to be axed from British banknotes in the name of diversity.

Oreo

Lots of people use cash btw including me. The window cleaner takes only cash, I give children presents of cash, I give tips of cash, local seasonal ‘fayres’ take cash only on the stalls.

Don’t use anyone who’ll only take cash. Estate window cleaner now, paid by the factors. In our last house, ours used bank transfer.

Galaxy

I rarely use cash but understand that people are different to me and that neither group of us are 'wrong'

There are people who rely on cash. Families that are on a tight budget.
Homeless people.
Elderly that prefer cash.
‘Terminals’ going down in store, which has happened on a few occasions. I was ok as I had cash.
I accept that cash will go eventually, but I don’t want to go ‘cashless’ prematurely.
It’s not a crime to use cash!

It was meant as ‘tongue in cheek’ Oreo. I definitely would want to go cashless if she ended up on our banknotes

Ok I correct myself, the way doodledog is doing it is wrong

I take cash out weekly out of habit, but then use a card 99% of the time for things like coffees, eating out and so on (99% of things I buy are online), so it builds up and I pay it back into the bank😀

I rarely use cash but understand that people are different to me and that neither group of us are 'wrong'

vegansrock

Who uses cash anymore?

I use cash. Well half & half.
I draw some to keep it going.
I certainly don’t want to sleep walk into a cashless society.
Once that happens the governments can control all you do with your finances.

Oreo

Lots of people use cash btw including me. The window cleaner takes only cash, I give children presents of cash, I give tips of cash, local seasonal ‘fayres’ take cash only on the stalls.

I rarely use cash but always keep some in my purse “just in case”.

I think that there should ALWAYS be a choice, where appropriate and possible.

Lots of people use cash btw including me. The window cleaner takes only cash, I give children presents of cash, I give tips of cash, local seasonal ‘fayres’ take cash only on the stalls.

Maremia

Who remembers the pink ten shilling notes?
Cannot remember who or what was on them.

I think that depicting British men and women ( other than the Queen) only started after decimalisation in the early 70’s.

MT62

Oreo

I would like to see women more celebrated on banknotes to counteract the rising tide of misogyny.
Authors, poets, musicians and many more.

How about Bonnie Blue, now that’s a woman with history 😂

The wrong kind of history….the kind that encourages misogyny.

My apologies for causing confusion, my mistake, the deletion is still there. I hadn’t realised it was on page one. Sorry.

vegansrock

Who uses cash anymore?

I've started giving my grandchildren (10y and 5y) cash in a card for birthdays and Christmas. They really like this 🙂

I felt it was a practical, hands-on way of helping them learn about counting money, costs, change and values, ie whether they really want something!

(They are bought plenty of actual presents by friends and other family).

Perhaps she has said all she has to say on the matter?

I noticed earlier that DaisyAnnReturns had contributed to the thread, her post was then deleted with the usual warning about talk guidelines but now her name has disappeared completely.
Do some people have special powers or are given special treatment?
I’m just curious.

Its a pity you didn't provide the source of the quote in italics; which was the Telegraph, not the Bank of England

Clearly I had no need to- and did not in fact say it was the BoE who did say
Since 1970, we have showcased historical figures who have helped shape national thought, innovation, leadership and values on our banknotes. This includes our current series, which features portraits of Winston Churchill (£5), Jane Austen (£10), JMW Turner (£20) and Alan Turing (£50). While there are many other inspirational historical figures from a range of backgrounds who could feature on our banknotes, there are many other ways to celebrate the UK
I have no objection to the fluffy bunnies but rather liked the celebration of those who had contributed to our nation by their depiction on banknotes

Perhaps given the power of social media we should consider
🙈🙊🙉

vegansrock

Who uses cash anymore?

Are you really so out of touch with the millions of people who do use cash? I use cash sometimes because I think about others who may not be comfortable with a cashless society, and I like to support the more vulnerable.

Thank you, Lemonjam, for your very comprehensive reply to my question 😃

Oreo

You’re forgetting Sago that some poor flowers may be triggered or traumatised by Churchill or Jane Austen😂

I know it’s so sad and the poor animals that will be excluded.

I feel triggered by this thought.

MawsRosie

Sago

Mamie

Just to clarify; the currency will no longer feature people, but will celebrate British wildlife.
Hope this helps.

Yes I was aware.

The spurious reasons given are however what make me despair (with or without help)

Research commissioned by the Bank concluded that figures such as Churchill, Alan Turing and Jane Austen were “contentious and not representative of the UK’s cultural and natural diversity. ”.

Officials were advised to replace ­portraits with images of nature on banknotes because historical figures represented “a backward-looking vision of the United Kingdom that ­carries too great a risk of division and controversy

I ask you!

Its a pity you didn't provide the source of the quote in italics; which was the Telegraph, not the Bank of England

Bank held a public consultation launched in July 2025 ; you can read it here in the original

<https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/banknotes/consultation-paper-july-2025.pdf>

"As we begin to design the next generation of banknotes, we are considering what theme should be represented to symbolise the UK, and we would like to hear your views"

"We want to hear
whether you would like us to continue to feature historical figures, or if there are other themes
you would prefer to see represented. The potential themes we have identified include

notable historic figures
landscape and architecture
nature
arts culture and sport
noteworthy events in history
innovation.

Who remembers the pink ten shilling notes?
Cannot remember who or what was on them.

Mamie

The Bank of England said this:
"Staying Ahead of Counterfeiters: The primary driver for issuing a new series is security. Updating the physical notes allows the Bank to introduce the most modern, intricate security features—such as holographic windows and complex print patterns—making them much harder to forge".

.

We already have all those holograms on the Notes that depict KC. The
Post mistress had one pinned up in the post office on what to look for on a counterfit note. So apart from giving my £20 a quick once over, I really couldn’t tell you who is on my bank note.

Oreo

I would like to see women more celebrated on banknotes to counteract the rising tide of misogyny.
Authors, poets, musicians and many more.

How about Bonnie Blue, now that’s a woman with history 😂

watermeadow

I have no idea what design is on bank notes or coins or postage stamps. I’ve never noticed or cared.
Churchill is as irrelevant as Wellington in 2026 and more people would recognise Jilly Cooper than Jane Austen.

To be honest, it's so long since I had an actual banknote, I haven't a clue what's on any of them.

LaCrepescule

Bring it on I say, glad I won’t be seeing that old warmonger’s face on my readies anymore. Celebrating our wildlife is a lovely idea.

Hmm, I think we might agree to differ on who kicked off WWII, the atrocities of that regime and who was key among the Allied Heads of State and Commanders I saving us all from the horrors of a Nazi regime.
Just my opinion of course 🇬🇧
Ironic that you should express your unusual (?) political views on the anniversary of DDay