Bank of England selects wildlife designs for next generation of banknotes

The Bank of England has announced that barn owls, bumblebees, puffins and hedgehogs will feature on the next generation of UK banknotes.

• Nearly 479,000 people cast about 2.5 million votes in the public consultation that selected the four species.
• The redesigned notes, which will keep King Charles on the front, are expected to take several years to design.
• Chief cashier Victoria Cleland said the animals showcase the UK's wildlife and will "enhance the security of our banknotes."
• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the Bank of "erasing our history" over the decision to replace figures such as Winston Churchill.
• Freedom of Information research revealed focus groups had suggested the historical figures felt elitist, a factor in the decision.
• Reform UK's Robert Jenrick criticized the change, joining Kemi Badenoch in opposing the wildlife designs.