Bank of England has perhaps gone too “wokery”
(MENAFN) The Bank of England's new initiative to potentially redesign British banknotes with a focus on diversity has sparked controversy, with critics labeling the move as excessive political correctness or “wokery.”
On Wednesday, the Bank launched a public consultation inviting suggestions for future themes to feature on the next series of pound notes. While historic figures have traditionally appeared on British currency since 1970—starting with William Shakespeare—the regulator noted there are now “many ways to represent the UK.”
Currently, the reverse sides of banknotes feature Sir Winston Churchill on the £5 note, Jane Austen on the £10, J.M.W. Turner on the £20, and Alan Turing on the £50. The reigning monarch’s portrait will remain on the front of all new notes.
The consultation invites the public to propose themes such as nature, cultural heritage, sports, innovation, architecture, and major national milestones. While traditional figures remain an option, the Bank is also considering how gender, ethnicity, and disability could play a role in future designs.
Victoria Cleland, the Bank’s chief cashier, emphasized that banknotes “serve as a symbolic representation of our collective national identity and an opportunity to celebrate the UK.” She said that “real diversity” would be considered in future designs.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from several Conservative politicians. Shadow Communities Secretary Kevin Hollinrake condemned the idea, saying, “This is wrongheaded wokery. We should be proud of our history, not sideline it.” Former Business Secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg also weighed in, remarking, “The Bank of Wokeness wants to ignore our history and heroes to model itself on the unutterable banality of euro notes.”
Online reactions were also divided. Some users accused the Bank of England of launching “an assault” on Britain’s cultural and historical heritage. Others floated suggestions for new faces, including author J.K. Rowling—a controversial figure in current gender identity debates—as a potential candidate for inclusion.
The Bank of England has not yet set a date for when the new designs will be finalized or enter circulation.
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