![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_Emergency-test-alerts-were-sent-to-smart-phones-across-UK.jpg\")
The emergency alert as seen on phone screens(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe alert was sent to phones across the UK on Sunday afternoonThe emergency alert as seen on phone screens(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Millions of people across the country received an Emergency alert as part of a UK-wide test this afternoon (Sunday, September 7). The ten second alert was tested by the government for the second time following a previous alert in 2023.<\/p>\n
The alert that came with a message was sent to all mobile phones connected to a 4G or 5G network and caused phones to vibrate and emit a siren that lasted for ten seconds.<\/p>\n
This afternoon, the Manchester Evening News was in the city centre to speak to people moments after the alarm had gone off to get their thoughts.<\/p>\n
Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n One of those people was 55-year-old, Ewan McGregor – not the actor of Star Wars fame. He said that while the alert startled him, he could see its benefits.<\/p>\n “I completely forgot about it,” he told the M.E.N. “I looked down at my phone and I saw that message, it was a bit scary.<\/p>\n “I know that there are some people who have conspiracies about it, but it’s for the greater good.<\/p>\n “Especially in a place like Manchester, with things like the arena bombings. Anything could happen.”<\/p>\n Ana Ramos, who was working when her phone went off said: “I thought it was the apocalypse! I was working and could hear other people’s phones going off, but I was more focused on mine.<\/p>\n “I didn’t know anything about today’s test, so it was a bit scary. I’m not happy or unhappy that the government can send a message to all our phones like that. I think it’s useful, just a little scary.”<\/p>\n Kieran, who chose not to give his second name, was not a fan of the alert.<\/p>\n “I don’t think they should have done it,” he said.<\/p>\n “I don’t think it was needed. They’ve shown that they’ve done it already, so why do it again?<\/p>\n “I think it was a way for the government to say that they can get to you, in any way. It just makes people scared and scared to live their lives.<\/p>\n “I can see the good things about it, but there are other ways to get a message out there.”<\/p>\n Anca Birse, 39, said: “I remember it from the first time they did it. It’s impressive but I haven’t thought much of it.<\/p>\n “Today I just saw it, swiped it away and it stopped. I think it’s good if it helps more people aware of what is going on.<\/p>\n “It could be used for so many things, an earthquake, attack, weather<\/a> problems. If people need to be safe, then they need to be safe.”<\/p>\n Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement on social media following the emergency alert test, calling it an “important step” for keeping people safe during national emergencies.<\/p>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_National-emergency-alert-test.jpg\")
People look at their mobile phone in London Liverpool Street station(Image: PA)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1757276052_762_0_National-emergency-alert-test.jpg\")
A mobile phone sounds with an alarm during a national emergency alert (Image: PA)<\/p>\n