New £5 note contains animal fat and vegans demand it removed
File photo dated 06/09/16 of curator Jenni Adam holding a new polymer five pound note that features Sir Winston Churchill that can survive a spin in the washing machine, which has started to enter circulation. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday September 13, 2016. The polymer fiver is said by the Bank of England to be cleaner, safer and stronger than paper notes, lasting around five years longer. See PA story MONEY Banknote. Photo credit should read: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Sky News – Campaigners have started a petition to urge the Bank of England to remove animal fat from the new £5 note.
There was anger among vegans and vegetarians after the bank confirmed the fivers contain tallow, a suet derivative.
Doug Maw, who started the petition, said he was “disgusted” and would not be using the notes.
“I understand old notes contain stuff as well – we can’t do anything about what is in circulation – but the fact they are producing new ones is what really riles me,” said Mr Maw.
“I don’t think anything will happen about what has already been made, but I just hope they produce new ones without using animal fats.”
Mr Maw is also trying to set up a petition on the Government site to try to force a debate on the issue in Parliament.
Some 9,000 people have signed the Change.org petition since Monday.
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