Puffin and bumblebee among 18 creatures shortlisted to feature on banknotes

The Bank of England has shortlisted 18 UK wildlife species (mammals, birds, amphibians/insects/fish) for possible depiction on the next £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes, and is opening a month-long public consultation ending 3 July. The shortlist and public debate — including political backlash over replacing historical figures like Winston Churchill — are largely symbolic and procedural; the redesign is driven by anti-counterfeiting and long lead times for printing. Market impact on GBP/USD is likely negligible, though occasional headlines or political commentary could cause short-lived sterling volatility. The Bank governor, Andrew Bailey, will make the final design decision after the vote.