Whitehall officials have called for minority groups to be more prominently featured on British banknotes, arguing that historical figures like Winston Churchill offer a "limited" perspective on British identity. Civil servants from the Office for Equality and Opportunity, part of the Cabinet Office, conveyed these views in a letter to the Bank of England last summer.
The officials stated that increased representation of women, disabled individuals, ethnic minority communities, and LGBT+ people would signify progress and recognition. This suggestion comes as the Bank of England moves away from featuring historical figures on its banknotes in favor of wildlife imagery, a decision that has led to accusations of "erasing Britain's history."
The letter, obtained by The Telegraph through a Freedom of Information Act request, noted that while historical figures can anchor public memory, they have historically represented narrow dimensions of British identity. The proposed shift aims to reflect a broader spectrum of the nation.
Senior Conservative MP Alex Burghart criticized the move, stating, "Banknotes should feature the greatest Britons – the historic figures that unite our country. They shouldn't be chosen on the basis of Labour's equality laws." He accused government officials of conspiring to remove historical figures from currency.
A government spokesperson clarified that decisions regarding banknote design are made by the independent Bank of England, not by ministers. They added that officials engaged with the public consultation as part of normal due process, a practice also followed under the previous government.
A Bank of England spokesman confirmed that a public consultation last year led to the decision to select nature as the theme for the next series of banknotes, as it received the highest proportion of nominations and positive feedback. Other themes considered included architecture and landmarks, historical figures, arts, culture and sport, innovation, and noteworthy milestones. The Bank noted that the change to wildlife imagery also provides an opportunity to celebrate another important aspect of the nation and may improve security features.
It is expected to be several years before the new designs are issued, and the portrait of the monarch will continue to be displayed on the banknotes. Previously, former Conservative chancellors also voiced opposition to the Bank's decision to move away from historical figures on its currency.