Bank of England to Introduce Wildlife-Themed Banknotes

Apr 27, 2026, 10:53

Introduction

The Bank of England is preparing to launch a new series of banknotes featuring wildlife. This decision follows a public consultation process to decide the theme of the country's currency.

Main Body

Last July, the Bank of England started a consultation to choose themes for future banknotes. More than 44,000 people took part, choosing from six categories including nature, architecture, and historical figures. Nature was the most popular choice, with 60% of participants selecting it. According to a Freedom of Information request, the public suggested various images, such as Sir David Attenborough and the Sycamore Gap tree, although Sir Winston Churchill was one of the most frequently mentioned people. However, the decision to move from historical figures to wildlife has caused a division among politicians. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the move, describing it as 'woke' and 'crackers,' particularly because Sir Winston Churchill would be replaced. Similarly, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch opposed the change, asserting that removing historical figures erases history. She suggested that figures like Margaret Thatcher would be more suitable for the notes. From an official perspective, Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England's chief cashier, emphasized that the main goal of the new series is to make the notes harder to counterfeit. She explained that nature is an effective choice for security and allows the Bank to showcase the UK's biodiversity. Currently, the banknotes feature the monarch on the front and figures such as Jane Austen and Alan Turing on the back. The Bank has clarified that household pets will not be included, and a further consultation will take place this summer to choose the specific animals.

Conclusion

The Bank of England will move forward with the wildlife theme to improve security and reflect public opinion, despite criticism from some politicians regarding the removal of historical figures.

Vocabulary Learning

biodiversity (n.)

variety of life / variety of plants and animals in an area生物多樣性

Example:The wildlife theme showcases the UK's rich biodiversity.

consultation (n.)

discussion / a formal meeting to discuss a plan or decision諮詢會議

Example:The bank held a public consultation to gather opinions on the new banknote design.

counterfeit (adj.)

fake / not genuine, made to look like something else偽造的

Example:The new banknotes include security features to prevent counterfeit copies.

diversion (n.)

division / a split or disagreement分歧

Example:The decision caused a diversion among politicians.

security (n.)

protection / measures to keep safe安全

Example:The main goal of the new series is to improve security against fraud.

Sentence Learning

The Bank of England will move forward with the wildlife theme to improve security and reflect public opinion, despite criticism from some politicians regarding the removal of historical figures.

Linking Word: The word 'despite' introduces a contrast, showing that the action will happen even though there is opposition.連接詞: 詞語 'despite' 引入對比，表示儘管有批評，行動仍將進行。

The Bank of England has clarified that household pets will not be included, and a further consultation will take place this summer to choose the specific animals.

Passive Voice: The phrase 'will not be included' is in the passive voice, indicating the action is performed on the household pets rather than by a subject.被動語態: 'will not be included' 是被動語態，表示動作作用於家庭寵物，而非由主語執行。

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the move, describing it as 'woke' and 'crackers,' particularly because Sir Winston Churchill would be replaced.

Conjunction (Cause): 'particularly' and 'because' The sentence uses 'particularly' to emphasize a specific reason and 'because' to explain the cause.連接詞（原因）: 'particularly' 與 'because' 句子使用 'particularly' 強調特定原因，並用 'because' 說明原因。

The Bank of England's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland, emphasized that the main goal of the new series is to make the notes harder to counterfeit.

Noun Clause (that): The clause 'that the main goal of the new series is to make the notes harder to counterfeit' functions as the object of 'emphasized'.名詞子句（that）: 子句 'that the main goal of the new series is to make the notes harder to counterfeit' 作為 'emphasized' 的賓語。

According to a Freedom of Information request, the public suggested various images, such as Sir David Attenborough and the Sycamore Gap tree, although Sir Winston Churchill was one of the most frequently mentioned people.

Linking Word: 'although' introduces a contrast, showing that even though Churchill was frequently mentioned, other images were also suggested.連接詞: 'although' 引入對比，表示儘管丘吉爾被頻繁提及，其他圖像也被建議。