The Morning Poll: Was Friday's emergency phone alert over wildfires an overreaction?

Sirens blared out unexpectedly on millions of mobile phones across the country at 7pm on Friday.

The alert took many by surprise when it was sent to millions of phones on Friday night - but it may have also put vulnerable people at risk.

Stephen Price In a very modern take on the infamous ‘where were you when’ questions usually put forward for events like the death of a public figure, many of us have a story to tell about the evening of Friday 14 August 2026 when *that* emergency alert sounded from our phones. Instagram, Facebook and TikTok…

Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned last week that Britain is turning into a 'tinderbox' as the severe weather sparks a near-constant parade of wildfires in England and Wales

The Prime Minister took to social media to explain what triggered the alert

The emergency alert startled millions on Friday evening as it set out a number of things which people have been asked not to use

Presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp were celebrating The One Show 20th anniversary special but their special hour-long BBC broadcast took an unexpected turn

Here's what you need to know about last night's emergency alert

Millions were shocked at their phones issued a jarring alert on Friday night

The Prime Minister has urged people not to light fires in 'tinderbox' Britain

The Government sent the alert on Friday evening, which began appearing on mobile devices from 7pm

MILLIONS of people across the UK received an emergency alert on their phone today. The alert was to warn people again the high risk of wildfires. however, some people didn’t receive the message, here’s why. The alarm has been used on five real occasions, and was first tested in 2023, to warn UK citizens about emergenci

People urged not to light barbecues, campfires or anything else that could spark fire during period of extreme heat Millions of people across England and Wales have received an emergency alert to their phones as the government warns against activities that could start fires. The deputy prime minister, Louise Haigh, sai

Louise Haigh, the first secretary of state, said Friday’s message was “the most extensive use of the UK’s emergency alert system in response to an active incident”.

Mobile phone users in England and Wales have received an emergency alert, warning them not to light anything that could spark a fire.

The Government sent the alert on Friday evening, which began appearing on mobile devices from 7pm.

The Government sent the alert on Friday evening, which began appearing on mobile devices from 7pm.

An emergency alert is being sent to phones across England and Wales as ministers steps up action to protect communities from the growing threat posed by wildfires. The alert, sent on a rolling basis from around 7pm, will warn people not to light anything that could spark a fire, including barbecues, campfires, and fire

Broadcasters plunged into chaos as emergency mobile phone alert sent to millions of people in England and Wales  lbc.co.uk

MILLIONS of people across England and Wales are receiving an emergency alert on their phones, warning them against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, the Cabinet Office has said

Apple sends threat notifications to the lock screens of users they suspect were targeted by spyware

Andy Burnham issued economy warning as UK growth could fall to just 0.3 per cent  GB News

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