The UK government has confirmed that a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert system will take place on Sunday, 7 September 2025, at 3pm. The alert will be sent to all 4G and 5G mobile phones in range, causing them to vibrate and emit a loud siren sound for approximately ten seconds, even if devices are set to silent.
The test aims to ensure the system is ready for real emergencies. Since its launch in 2023, the alert has been used during events such as Storm Darragh in December 2024, when over three million people were warned to stay indoors due to 90mph winds, and Storm Éowyn in January 2025, which saw around 4.5 million alerts issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: “Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives… Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.” He added that the test is part of a broader resilience plan, including investments in biosecurity centres and flood defences.
Béatrice Butsana-Sita, chief executive of the British Red Cross, welcomed the government’s preparedness plans but stressed the need for tangible action at community and household levels. “The real test will be how this translates into tangible action… so that we aren’t just warned but prepared,” she said.
This will be the second national test of the system, following an initial test in April 2023. A public information campaign will run beforehand to notify the public, including targeted communications for vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic abuse and materials in British Sign Language.
