Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

National Emergency Test

Thursday 11 May 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The system reached 93% of eligible phones within three minutes during the national emergency test on 23 April 2023.
  • Meetings were held with Three's chief executive to address network challenges, and improvements have been made.
  • Engagement with charities and organisations is planned to ensure alerts reach those without mobile technology.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Context

The MP questioned the effectiveness of a UK-wide emergency test conducted on April 23, 2023.

Question

What assessment has been made of the national emergency test on 23 April 2023? The test reached only 93% of eligible phones within three minutes. What is being done about those who were not reached and will there be a follow-up test?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The system reached 93% of eligible phones within three minutes. We met with Three's chief executive regarding network challenges and are confident improvements have been made. No further such test is planned in the foreseeable future, but we will target alerts locally as needed for emergencies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The 7% who were not reached during the test

How: I Do Not See Any Need For A Further Such Test In The Foreseeable Future

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Q2 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Context

Following initial concerns about the national emergency test's coverage, the MP inquired about future applications of the system.

Question

What will happen with the 7% who were not reached during the test? Will there be a follow-up test to address this issue? What kinds of emergencies will these tests be used for in the future?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

We met with Three's chief executive to address network challenges. The system is now fully operable for real emergencies, targeting as locally as possible even at the mast level.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Further testing for those not reached during initial test

How: I Do Not See Any Need For A Further Such Test In The Foreseeable Future

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Q3 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Social Care
Context

The MP raised concerns about digitally excluded individuals during national emergencies, noting a lack of government targets since 2014.

Question

During an emergency, the most vulnerable are likely to be digitally excluded and in need. Without a digital inclusion strategy, we do not know where these people are. How will the Government ensure that those who are digitally excluded can receive alerts during national emergencies?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

We reached 93% of people in the UK during the test. Engaging with charities and organisations, we aim to ensure appropriate alerts for those without mobile technology.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for digital inclusion strategy

How: We Continue To Engage With Relevant Charities

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