A loud siren rang out from millions of mobile phones across the UK on Sunday afternoon as the government carried out its latest nationwide test of the emergency alert system. The alarm, which sounded at 3pm, lasted around 10 seconds and was accompanied by a message making clear it was only a drill. Designed to override normal phone settings, the alerts are intended to warn the public of life-threatening situations such as extreme weather, terrorist incidents, or other major emergencies. While many devices across the country activated, the system did not reach every phone. Older models, handsets not connected to 4G or 5G, and those switched off or in flight mode remained silent. Officials said the test was essential to ensure the network would work reliably during real crises.
The Test in Action
The message displayed on screens explained the purpose: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. You do not need to take any action.” It also directed people to government websites offering advice on how to prepare for emergencies, with translations provided in Welsh. The siren was deliberately piercing to cut through background noise and ensure people noticed the alert. Although the government has not confirmed how many phones received Sunday’s signal, the UK has an estimated 87 million mobile devices in circulation.
Why the System Matters
Ministers describe the alerts as a vital tool to protect the public in moments of danger. Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden likened them to a “national fire alarm” that must be tested regularly to maintain confidence. Officials emphasised that the alerts can only be triggered in situations where lives are at risk, such as during floods, severe storms, or large-scale security threats. While most people are automatically included, some choose to opt out — a step the government acknowledges is necessary in cases such as survivors of domestic abuse who rely on concealed phones.
Impact and Reactions
The timing of the alert briefly disrupted weekend activities. Kick-offs in several football and rugby fixtures were delayed, and England’s cricket match at the Utilita Bowl paused while players and fans acknowledged the alarm. For many, the test served as a reminder of the realities of emergency preparedness. The government said such rehearsals were not about inconvenience but about ensuring that when the time comes, the system can “reach as many people as possible when it’s needed most.”
Previous Tests and Real Use
Sunday’s drill followed the first nationwide test in April 2023, when technical failures meant some networks did not deliver the alert. Since then, the system has been activated five times in real situations. In February 2024, residents in Plymouth were ordered to leave their homes after an unexploded Second World War bomb was found in a garden. Emergency alerts also went out to three million people during Storm Darragh in December 2024, and to 4.5 million during Storm Éowyn in January 2025. Officials say these examples demonstrate the system’s value, particularly as extreme weather events linked to climate change become more frequent.
What Comes Next
The government is expected to continue refining the technology, with further drills likely in the months ahead. Ministers argue that only through repeated testing can the system guarantee reliability in a genuine crisis. Campaigners for civil preparedness say the alerts could save lives, provided the public understands their purpose and responds quickly when real warnings arrive. As McFadden put it, the goal is simple: “Better a brief interruption today than a missed warning tomorrow.”
