Paddington Bear and Sir David Attenborough among public’s banknote design ideas

Sir Winston Churchill, who currently features on the £5 note, was the fourth most commonly suggested idea..

Why This Matters

A recent survey by the Bank of England has revealed the public's preferred designs for new banknotes, with Paddington Bear and Sir David Attenborough among the top suggestions. This development comes as the UK grapples with a cost of living crisis, raising questions about the role of national symbols in times of economic uncertainty. The Bank of England's decision will have significant implications for the country's cultural identity.

In Week 18 2026, Cost of Living accounted for 7 related article(s), with UK Politics setting the broader headline context. Coverage of Cost of Living decreased by 21 article(s) versus the prior week, but remained material in the weekly agenda.

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Context

The survey, conducted in response to the Bank of England's plans to introduce new polymer banknotes, has sparked a wider debate about the representation of British culture on currency. Media outlets have highlighted the public's desire for more inclusive and diverse designs, with some outlets criticizing the Bank of England for not doing enough to address these concerns. The Independent has reported that Sir Winston Churchill, who currently features on the £5 note, was the fourth most commonly suggested idea, sparking debate about the relevance of historical figures in modern times. The Guardian has noted that the survey's results reflect a broader shift towards a more inclusive and environmentally conscious national identity.