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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UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
Engage with the person
Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
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Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
27th July 2020 
