**UK Government to Conduct Emergency Alert Test on All Mobile Phones**
The UK government has revealed plans to carry out a nationwide test of its emergency alert system, in a move aimed at improving public safety and readiness for major incidents. Every mobile phone in the country is expected to receive a message that will take over the entire screen and be accompanied by a loud, 10-second siren. Authorities say the test intends to ensure that citizens are well-prepared for a variety of serious threats.
This test is part of an initiative first introduced in 2023, when the government rolled out its emergency alert system to quickly inform the public about immediate dangers, including extreme weather events, public health crises, or national emergencies. The system is designed to act as a mass notification tool, delivering critical information directly to individuals in real time.
The message, which will appear on devices during the test, is structured as follows: “Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.” Recipients are reassured that in actual emergencies, they should follow the specific instructions provided in the alert to safeguard themselves and others. The message will also direct the public to further information online, reinforcing that no action is needed during the test itself.
Government officials emphasise that the loud alert, which some described as “alarming” during a similar test in 2023, is a necessary feature to ensure everyone is able to notice the notification regardless of their phone’s current settings. The Cabinet Office acknowledged that while the noise may be startling, the primary aim is not to cause panic but to guarantee people are made aware of imminent threats, thus allowing for swift, potentially life-saving action.
In recent years, the system has already been activated during genuine emergencies. Notably, over four million phone users received warnings ahead of Storm Eowyn’s arrival in the UK earlier this year. Similarly, a significant number of alerts were sent prior to Storm Darragh in 2024, helping to inform the public about severe weather risks and encourage early preparations.
According to the Cabinet Office, these alerts form a central part of the country’s strategy to build resilience in the face of natural disasters or other emergencies. A spokesperson noted, “This system is not designed to cause panic, but to ensure people are aware of imminent threats and can act quickly. This test is part of building national resilience and saving lives in future crises.”
The head of the Cobra emergencies committee unit at the Cabinet Office, Roger Hargreaves, stated in a 2023 parliamentary session that regular system tests are considered international best practice. “It is common standard worldwide to issue test messages regularly. We believe that a biennial schedule, with tests every two years, offers a sensible balance,” he said, adding that a formal ministerial decision on timing remains pending.
Officials will announce the exact date for the upcoming test closer to the time. Once the test is carried out, further reviews will take place to ensure that the alert reaches the greatest possible number of people and that system performance meets the expected standards.
While feedback from last year’s initial rollout mentioned the alarm’s volume and the potential to startle recipients, public authorities continue to stress its critical nature in potentially saving lives. As mobile phone use in the UK is nearly universal, such alerts could represent a vital link in the country’s chain of emergency preparedness, ensuring essential messages are delivered without delay whenever disaster strikes.