An emergency alert system test that notified millions of mobile phones across the United Kingdom on Friday evening has drawn criticism from domestic abuse campaigners who say the unannounced alerts could put vulnerable victims at risk. The alert, sent at 7:00 PM BST, warned the public about the dangers of disposable barbecues, naked flames, and fireworks amid a period of high wildfire risk.
This was the most extensive use to date of the emergency alert system. Unlike previous tests, the government did not provide advance public notification. A Cabinet Office press release was posted to their website shortly before the alert was issued, but it was missed by many in the media, resulting in limited public awareness.
Campaigners stated that the surprise nature of the alert could compromise domestic abuse survivors who rely on hidden second phones to seek support and plan escapes from abusive situations. Veronica Oakeshott, head of external affairs at the national charity Women's Aid, emphasized the critical need for these secondary devices to remain undetected. "Survivors of domestic abuse frequently turn to second phones to help them access lifesaving support or flee from abuse," Oakeshott told BBC News. "We would urge the government to forewarn the public that alerts might be issued, when possible."
The alert was issued following a series of wildfires, including one that destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge, West Midlands, the previous day. Senior government officials reportedly discussed the decision to send the alert for hours on Friday morning.