Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) figures are reportedly set to appear on British coins and notes for the first time ever following campaigns for currency to be more inclusive.
According to Treasury Minister John Glen, who spoke to the Sunday Telegraph, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak is believed to be considering this move after campaigners issued proposals.
Mr Glen told the paper that Mr Sunak was “keen to support the timely proposal”.
He continued: “The Chancellor is aware of this. We are obviously supportive and keen to be positive about it, we need to see some firm proposals from the Royal Mint but we are keen for this to happen”.
The reports come after the Backnotes of Colour campaign lead by Zehra Zaidi – former Conservative Party parliamentary candidate – which has been fighting for wider representation as no non-white person has ever featured on a British coin or note.
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Speaking to BBC News, Ms Zaidi stated that: “Who we have on our legal tender – our notes and our coins – builds into a narrative of who we think we are as a nation,”
“People from all backgrounds helped build Britain.”
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She continued: “We must tell the story of inclusive representation as it matters for cohesion and it matters in the narrative of who we are as a nation.”
BAME figures such as Walter Tull – the British Army’s first black officer – have been featured on commemorative coins in the past, but “commemorative coins are not the same as legal tender because legal tender acts as a passport, an ambassador,” says Ms Zaidi.
Rishi Sunak has reportedly asked the Royal Mint to come up with new designs honouring BAME figures.
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Among the figures believed to be currently under consideration for a feature on coins and banknotes include British-Jamaican Crimean War nurse Mary Seacole, Noor Inayat Khan – who was a World War II agent and one of only four women to have received the George Cross – and also the first Indian and Gurkha soldiers.
Mr Sunak has previously expressed support for the anti-racist cause – highlighted by the Black Lives Matter protests – and supported calls for a widespread change in attitudes in race.
He stated that: “As a British Asian of course I know that racism exists in this country, and I know people are angry and frustrated.”
“They want to see, and feel, change.”
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2020 
