Dear all

We move to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Noor Inayat Khan, Violette Szabo, Odette Hallowes and the brave women of the SOE in other ways, whilst also having made the statement that future banknotes should recognise military valour especially given the centenary of WWI and the RAF. However, there is one outstanding matter that I needed to undertake and need some of your help on.

The Bank of England strives to reflect the full diversity of British society. However, it may have inadvertently constructed a category of science that makes it less likely for an ethnic minority to be the new character. This is because historical scientists of ethnic minority origin would simply not have had the same access to science professions or pathways to progression and excellence as their peers. Many scientists of ethnic minority origin would have worked “in the background”.

For future notes, we would also like to see the first ever ethnic minority on a British banknote - we believe that its time has surely come. Our public institutions should reflect modern Britain. Having the first ethnic minority on a banknote sends a message to ethnic communities that they matter. Let us celebrate the contribution of ethnic minorities to our history, culture and economy.

It would be great if you could sign a sister petition that I have undertaken jointly with Dr Patrick Vernon OBE and the £50 note campaign for Mary Seacole, the Jamaican British nurse who served in the Crimea War:

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION: https://www.change.org/p/it-is-time-for-the-first-ever-ethnic-minority-on-a-british-banknote-post-50-process

Thank you

Sincerely

Zehra