On Sunday, 2nd August the Chancellor of ex-chequer confirmed that he was backing the campaign for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals to be featured on the coin in a bid to celebrate the contributions of ethnic minorities to the UK.
Celebrating influential names include Indian-origin British spy Noor Inayat Khan, Mahatma Gandhi and Khudadad Khan, the first soldier of the British Indian Army to become the recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross, the highest military award for gallantry in the face of the enemy given to British and Commonwealth forces.
Sunak has written to the Royal Mint Advisory Committee that recommends themes and designs of coins, supporting a campaign called ‘We Too Built Britain’ seeking representation of non-white icons on British currency. The idea of Gandhi on a British coin was earlier considered by former chancellor Sajid Javid in October 2019.
In a letter to Zehra Zahidi, who has led the campaign, Sunak said, “Black, Asian and other ethnic minority (BAME) communities have made a profound contribution to the shared history of the United Kingdom.
“For generations, ethnic minority groups have fought and died for this country we have built together; taught our children, nursed the sick, cared for the elderly; and through their enterprising spirit have started some of our most exciting and dynamic businesses, creating jobs and driving growth.
“I am writing today to the Chair of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC), Lord Waldegrave…asking the RMAC Sub-Committee on Themes to consider recognising this very great contribution on our nation’s coinage,” he wrote.
The chancellor’s office confirmed that the RMAC is currently considering a coin to commemorate Gandhi, adding that Sunak is keen that British coins commemorate the work of the previous generations who have served the UK and nations that form the Commonwealth.
Campaigners previously sought Noor Inayat Khan’s image on a new £50 note, but the Bank of England announced that the new series to enter circulation in 2021 will have the image of computer pioneer and code-breaker Alan Turing.
