Political situation in the UK

Churchill replaced by owl – British politicians furious

The British central bank, the Bank of England, is to change the motifs on its banknotes – from historical figures to portraits of animals. The decision means that Britain's most famous prime minister, Winston Churchill, who adorns the five-pound note, could be replaced by an owl.

This has angered the Conservative Party in the UK to the point that they have started a petition to get the central bank to change its mind, writes The Independent.

Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch calls it "erasing history" and says she is a "big fan" of Churchill

- Changing the images to put wild animals on them is ridiculous, says the opposition leader and suggests that the banknotes should be portrayed by another prime minister – namely Margaret Thatcher.

Reform Party leader Nigel Farage accuses the decision of being "woke".

Churchill's granddaughter on the banknote change: "Not woke"

Winston Churchill's granddaughter Emma Soames is not upset that her grandfather will be removed from the five-pound note. She tells the BBC.

The Bank of England announced this week that they will replace the motifs of historical figures on the notes with portraits of wild animals. Conservative voices call it a scandal and want the central bank to change its mind.

Reform Party leader Nigel Farage says it is "woke", something that Emma Soames does not support.

- I disagree. The Bank of England is a fantastic institution, and they have the right to put whoever they want on their notes.

When asked which animal she thinks would be suitable to take over from Churchill, she answers:

- A very brave animal.