Historical figures to be replaced on UK banknotes after more than 50 years

• British wildlife will replace historical figures on the next series of Bank of England banknotes, with the public given a say on which animals and birds will feature.
• The decision aims to tackle counterfeiters and celebrate UK nature, following a public consultation where nature was the most popular theme.
• A panel of experts will create a wildlife shortlist, which the public will then vote on, though the final decision rests with the Bank's governor.
• "The key driver for introducing a new banknote series is always to increase counterfeit resilience, but it also provides an opportunity to celebrate different aspects of the UK," says the Bank's chief cashier, Victoria Cleland.
• This change marks the end of historical characters on the reverse side of banknotes after more than 50 years, a move that may help the Bank avoid past controversies regarding representation.
• The monarch will continue to appear on Bank of England notes, with the new wildlife designs expected to enter circulation in a few years.