Stop the removal of the Historic People on the bank notes - its our history

Rejected 14 signatures

What the petition asks

The UK should retain historic figures on banknotes to celebrate our national heritage, achievements and identity. Replacing them with wildlife risks diminishing recognition of those who shaped Britain. we should expand recognition by including more Britons from our history, science, and engineering.

This petition calls on the Government and Bank of England to retain historic figures on UK banknotes and reject proposals to replace them entirely with wildlife or other themes. Banknotes should celebrate the men and women who shaped Britain's history, culture, science, literature and engineering. Rather than removing historic figures, more should be recognised, including pioneers such as George Stephenson, James Watt, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Capability Brown.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Banknotes are the responsibility of the Bank of England, which is independent of the Government and Parliament.

You can find out how the Bank decides who/what will be on banknotes here:
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/banknote-characters

Timeline

3 Jun 2026	Petition opened for signatures
26 Jun 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 14

Status Rejected

Rejected 26 Jun 2026

Follow this petition