**UK Government Releases Full Text of Emergency Alert Ahead of Nationwide Test**
The UK Government has revealed the exact message that will be sent to mobile phones nationwide during an upcoming test of the emergency alerts system. The drill, designed to evaluate the public warning mechanism in case of disasters or serious threats, is scheduled for 3pm on 7 September. Millions of phones across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to sound and vibrate as part of this coordinated exercise.
For approximately 10 seconds, devices compatible with 4G and 5G networks will emit a distinctive siren and on-screen message. The government has already published the contents of the alert, aiming to inform citizens in advance and ease any anxiety the abrupt notification may cause. Notably, the message will be delivered in both English and Welsh, reflecting the bilingual nature of public communication in Wales.
The full text of the alert will read: “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. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.”
The Cabinet Office has spearheaded a public awareness programme surrounding the test, emphasising the importance of preparation and clarity. Attention has also been paid to vulnerable groups, such as those experiencing domestic abuse who may keep hidden phones, with guidance issued to ensure their safety during the alert period.
Government ministers stress that regular testing of this system is vital. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, likened the emergency alert to household smoke alarms: “Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test this system so that we know it will work if we need it. The alerts have the potential to save lives,” he remarked, underscoring the seriousness with which these protocols are treated.
Since the system’s first major national test in April 2023, emergency alerts have already been dispatched five times. These include warnings during significant storms such as Storm Eowyn last January, when there was a direct risk to life. The alert system has also been activated for incidents including the discovery of a Second World War bomb in Plymouth and during severe flash flooding events in Cumbria and Leicestershire, providing timely information to those facing potentially life-threatening situations.
Nevertheless, questions remain about how the government might reach those who do not have access to mobile phones. Some members of Parliament have urged ministers to consider additional methods of communication. Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, has argued that the UK should look to Scandinavian countries for inspiration, specifically their use of printed information booklets to inform residents on preparing for emergencies.
The planned test on 7 September will thus not only measure technological reliability but also serve as an opportunity to assess public awareness—and potentially, to identify gaps in outreach. The government has directed the public to dedicated websites, such as gov.uk/prepare and gov.uk/alerts, for more detailed guidance on what to do in a real emergency and to access resources in both English and Welsh.
As the date approaches, officials reiterate that the alert is only a test and not a sign of a real emergency. However, they hope the drill will foster greater familiarity with the system and prompt households to consider their readiness for potential threats, whether natural or man-made.
For further information, citizens are encouraged to stay tuned to government channels and media updates, as well as to share information about the upcoming test with friends, family, and neighbours, ensuring a well-informed and prepared public across the UK.