National emergency alert system to undergo major test later this year

The UK Government has announced plans to conduct a national test of the Emergency Alert System later in 2025, as part of its efforts to improve preparedness for future crises, including pandemics.

The test will involve approximately 87 million devices across the UK, with every mobile phone receiving a test alert.

The measure is intended to ensure the system functions effectively and to identify and resolve any issues before a real emergency occurs.

Building on Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic

The decision to strengthen the Emergency Alert System is one of several measures introduced following the findings of the Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 1 report.

The report, published in July 2024, examined the UK’s resilience and preparedness prior to the pandemic.

The government has acknowledged that more needs to be done to safeguard the nation and has committed to learning from the pandemic to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP, said:

“We must learn lessons from the Covid pandemic as we cannot afford to make the same mistakes again. But we will plan in a way that recognises the next crisis may not be the same as the last.”

How the Emergency Alert System Works

The Emergency Alert System, launched in 2023, is designed to send urgent messages directly to mobile phones to warn the public about threats such as severe weather, flooding, or public health emergencies.

The system has already been deployed successfully on four occasions since its introduction.

Regular testing is a key part of ensuring it remains functional and aligned with international standards, where similar systems are routinely tested.

The upcoming national test will provide operational insights for both the government and telecommunication partners, ensuring any issues are addressed before a live deployment.

A Widely Advertised Test

The test, scheduled for later in 2025, will mirror the format of a previous nationwide trial conducted in April 2023.

During the test, mobile phones will display a test alert accompanied by a loud alarm.

The government has promised to advertise the event widely in advance to ensure the public is informed and avoids unnecessary concern.

Broader Pandemic Preparedness Measures

The Emergency Alert System test forms part of a broader strategy to improve the UK’s resilience to future crises.

These measures include:

• UK Resilience Academy: Training over 4,000 resilience and emergency workers annually to handle crises, including pandemics.
• Risk Vulnerability Tool: A new tool developed with the Office for National Statistics to map vulnerable populations and enable targeted local support.

The government has also pledged to step up support for groups disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the elderly and those receiving care.

Preparing for Future Emergencies

The national Emergency Alert System test will complement the largest UK-wide pandemic response exercise in nearly a decade, scheduled for Autumn 2025.

That exercise will involve senior ministers, devolved governments, local resilience forums, and thousands of participants testing the country’s pandemic preparedness.

As Mr McFadden emphasised, the aim is to ensure the UK is as prepared as possible for a range of crises:

“These changes will improve our resilience and preparedness and help to safeguard our citizens.”

The exact date for the Emergency Alert System test will be announced in due course.