In a notable development for public safety, the UK government has announced that the national emergency alert system is set to undergo another test in September 2025. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of emergency notifications delivered to mobile phones across the nation. The test will occur at 15:00 British Summer Time (BST) on the 7th of September and is designed to activate compatible smartphones, which will vibrate and produce a siren-like sound for a duration of ten seconds. The alert message is intended to be clearly visible on the screen, irrespective of whether the device is on silent mode.
The primary purpose of this emergency alert system is to communicate critical warnings to the public in circumstances posed by imminent threats to life. This includes events such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, or potential terror attacks. Although the system has been tested regionally on five occasions over the past few years, the nationwide test conducted in April 2023 encountered significant technical difficulties. Reports indicated that many users either did not receive the alert or received it prematurely. Specifically, individuals connected to the Three network were among those who reported not getting the alerts, while others faced multiple notifications. Ultimately, an estimated 7% of compatible devices did not receive the emergency message.
To address these issues, the Cabinet Office acknowledged the shortcomings of the previous test. They have committed to reviewing the identified problems to ensure a more effective test in September. According to government officials, this upcoming test is not only essential for troubleshooting the system but also crucial for familiarizing the public with how the alerts will function in real emergencies, drawing comparisons to successful implementations in other countries like the United States and Japan.
In terms of technical eligibility, the emergency alert system is limited to smartphones operating on 4G or 5G networks. This means that approximately 87 million mobile phones currently in use in the UK will be excluded if they are older devices or connected to 2G or 3G networks. Pat McFadden, the Cabinet Office minister, emphasized the importance of testing the alert system, likening it to a fire alarm that needs to function correctly when required.
Recent uses of the emergency alert system in real-world scenarios have demonstrated its potential as a life-saving tool. For instance, during Storm Eowyn in January 2025, the system effectively reached 4.5 million phones in Scotland and Northern Ireland and 3.5 million in England and Wales during Storm Darragh. Moreover, it has been instrumental in facilitating the safe evacuation of residents in Plymouth when an unexploded World War Two bomb was discovered and needed to be safely removed.
While the government reaffirms the necessity of maintaining the emergency alert service active, there are important considerations regarding privacy, particularly for domestic abuse survivors. Following advocacy from domestic violence organizations, the National Centre for Domestic Violence has recommended that those with concealed phones, which could potentially alert an abuser during a test, should keep their devices turned off. To address this sensitive issue, the government has produced a guidance document specifically for these individuals, outlining steps they can take to opt out of receiving alerts.
In addition, this latest test is set to include a version of the emergency alert message presented in British Sign Language to cater to the needs of deaf individuals, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity in public safety communication.
Overall, the forthcoming test of the emergency alerts aims to refine the system, address technical challenges observed in the past, and educate the public about its functionality, ensuring readiness for any real-life emergencies in the future.
