‘Keep your cool’ during emergency alert test, government sayspublished at 14:16 British Summer Time
14:16 BST
Image source, Getty Images
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is urging people to “keep their cool” when the alert system is tested at 15:00 BST.
McFadden, who until Friday’s government re-shuffle served as a senior Cabinet Office minister, says: “I know Brits will keep their cool when phones across the UK make a siren-like noise.
“It’s important to remember this is only a test, just like the fire drills we all do in our schools and workplaces.”
He explains that the government is “carrying out the test to make sure the system works well when we need it most” and will work with mobile network operators to “assess performance” afterwards.
“The test takes just 10 seconds, but it helps us keep the country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he adds.