Bank of England Removes Churchill from Banknotes Amid Diversity Overhaul
Churchill dropped from UK banknotes over ‘elitist’ image – Telegraph

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The Bank of England will no longer feature historical figures like Winston Churchill on banknotes, opting instead for wildlife imagery. This decision follows a study indicating that such figures are seen as elitist and divisive, reflecting a broader push for diversity in British institutions.
- 01The Bank of England's decision to remove historical figures is based on a study by Savanta, which labeled them as 'elitist' and 'divisive.'
- 02Future banknotes will feature UK wildlife, with public input on imagery including options like the red fox and bottlenose dolphin.
- 03Critics, including politicians, have condemned the move as an attempt to erase British history and part of a broader 'diversity overhaul.'
- 04The shift follows increasing scrutiny of institutions regarding their ties to colonialism and slavery.
- 05Historical figures have been featured on UK banknotes for over fifty years, with Shakespeare being the first non-royal in 1970.
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The Bank of England has announced it will no longer include historical figures on banknotes, such as Winston Churchill, due to concerns that these figures are viewed as 'elitist and divisive.' This decision follows a study by market research firm Savanta, which recommended replacing portraits with imagery of UK wildlife, arguing that historical figures project a 'backward-looking vision' and are often associated with imperialism. The central bank plans to involve the public in selecting new designs, with options including animals like the red fox and the bottlenose dolphin. This move has sparked significant backlash, with critics labeling it as 'wrongheaded wokery' and an erasure of British history. The decision is part of a larger trend in the UK, where institutions have been reassessing their historical ties to colonialism, prompting changes in how history is represented in public spaces. The Bank of England has featured historical figures on its banknotes for over fifty years, with Shakespeare being the first non-royal figure to appear in 1970.
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The decision to replace historical figures on banknotes may influence public perception of British history and identity.
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