Churchill dropped from UK banknotes over ‘elitist’ image – Telegraph The Bank of England will replace historical figures on banknotes with UK wildlife following research that found figures like Winston Churchill to be “elitist and divisive.” An internal study suggested that historical figures projected a “backward-looking vision” and were viewed as “imperialistic.” Critics have condemned the move as “nonsense” and an attempt to erase British history as part of a broader “diversity overhaul.”

• The Bank of England is removing historical figures from banknotes, opting for UK wildlife designs.
• Research commissioned by the Bank of England reportedly concluded that historical figures like Winston Churchill were “elitist and divisive.”
• Other figures mentioned as potentially problematic include Alan Turing and Jane Austen.
• The decision has faced criticism from politicians who label it “nonsense” and “wokery” aimed at erasing British history.
• The Bank of England stated that nature-themed designs received the strongest support in public consultations and would be harder to counterfeit.
• The move is seen by critics as part of a broader “diversity overhaul” in UK institutions reassessing legacies of empire and colonialism.