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Puffins, dolphins on short list for new UK banknotes

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June 4, 2026

Britain's Bank of England has announced a short list of wildlife images that could replace British icons like the wartime leader Winston Churchill and cult author Jane Austin on new banknotes.

From puffins to bumblebees, the UK could soon swap famous figures for wildlife on its banknotes.

The Bank of England is inviting the public to vote on 18 animal designs ahead of a 2027 rollout. While some have welcomed the change as fresh and fun, others argue it sidelines British history. 

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