RSPCA demands rats and pigeons on banknotes — then Farage weighs in | UK | News

Britain’s banknotes may soon feature mice, pigeons and seagulls after the RSPCA adopted the Bank of England’s plan to replace historic portraits with local wildlife; which reveals some of the country’s least flamboyant creatures.

The charity stood behind the redesign but argued that familiar city animals deserved a place alongside more photogenic species, describing them as “overlooked” and “misunderstood” despite their close relationship with humans.

Geoff Edmond, from the RSPCA, said: “Featuring our native wildlife on everyday banknotes is a great way to celebrate the animals with whom we share our towns, cities and countryside – including those who don’t always make the ‘most popular’ lists.

“While some animals are obvious favourites, there are many wonderful animals we see every day that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

“What about pigeons, which have been our friends for thousands of years, mice with amazing memories, and even seagulls with incredible levels of intelligence? They are all fascinating wild animals in their own right and deserve to be recognized.”

He added: “Mice have been trained to detect diseases and locate landmines, while pigeons played a key role in both World Wars by carrying messages, and we think that’s worth celebrating.”

The wider redesign has been subject to harsh criticism, the Telegraph newspaper reported. Nigel Farage called it “an absolute cracker”, while Sir Ed Davey argued Sir Winston Churchill deserved “better than being replaced by a badger”.

Familiar faces removed

Churchill is among the many iconic figures being phased out. Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing, whose likenesses currently adorn the £10, £20 and £50 notes, will survive the jolt.

The bank argued that animal images would be more resistant to forgery and would also shed light on Britain’s natural world. No final decisions have been made on which creatures will appear, with the public voting from a shortlist of experts later this summer. Pets in the house were ignored.

Initial concept images distributed by the bank showed seagulls, deer, robins, red squirrels and golden eagles among the contestants.