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The Bank of England has been criticised as "woke" over proposed changes to banknotes. Threadneedle Street launched a consultation on Wednesday (July 2), inviting Brits to decide what theme they want to see represented on the next series of notes. The Bank said there are many ways to represent the UK on banknotes, and six potential themes have been identified.

These are notable historical figures, architecture and landmarks, arts, culture and sport, noteworthy events in history, innovation and nature. The public can also suggest other themes for the Bank to consider.

The Bank suggested that gender, ethnicity, and disability could be considered in future designs. However, the proposal to change the appearance of banknotes sparked a backlash.

Former Business Secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg told MailOnline: "The Bank of Wokeness wants to ignore our history and heroes to model itself on the unutterable banality of euro notes.

"It shows a lack of confidence in the nation and a supine kowtowing to the gods of political correctness."

Shadow Housing Secretary, Kevin Hollinrake, told the same publication it was "wrongheaded wokery" and Brits should be proud of their history, not sideline it.

He said replacing historical figures with abstract themes risked erasing the "rich, complex story" of how the UK has evolved.

Mr Hollinrake added: "Diversity is incredibly important, but we should achieve it by widening the range of historic figures we honour, not by abandoning them altogether."

Bank of England banknotes have showcased notable historical figures since 1970, when William Shakespeare became the first person other than the monarch to feature.

Banknotes take years to design, test and print to ensure they are high-quality, resilient and accessible.

Victoria Cleland, the Bank of England's chief cashier, said: "Banknotes are more than just an important means of payment - they serve as a symbolic representation of our collective national identity and an opportunity to celebrate the UK.

"I am really keen to hear what themes the public would like to see represented on the next series of notes."

Depending on which theme is selected, the Bank said it may seek further feedback from the public on the specific images which could be used to show the chosen theme. It said it will give updates, announcing the final note designs in due course.

The Bank is seeking responses in particular from the UK's residents and its citizens who are living abroad.

They can be submitted via an online form on the Bank's website or by post. The consultation will close at 11.59pm on July 31.

The figures currently celebrated on banknotes are Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner and Alan Turing.

More than 4.7 billion Bank of England notes are in circulation, collectively worth around £86 billion.

Despite declines in cash use as payments technology evolves, the Bank has said it is committed to providing cash for those who wish to use it.