Emergency phone alert put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners say

Emergency alert issued at 19:00 BST on Friday warned the public against using disposable barbecues, open flames or fireworks. It marked the largest deployment of the UK emergency alert system to date. Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged citizens to treat the warning “seriously”. A Cabinet Office notice posted to its website at approximately 18:45 on the same day was overlooked by many media outlets, leaving little advance information for the public. Consequently, most recipients said the alert arrived as a surprise because authorities had not announced it beforehand, unlike routine system tests. Campaigners warn that the sudden, audible notification could jeopardise domestic‑abuse survivors who rely on concealed second phones to contact support services or flee abusive situations. Women’s Aid, the national charity working to end domestic abuse, is calling for greater forewarning of alerts whenever possible. Veronica Oakeshott, the charity’s head of external affairs, told BBC News: "Survivors of domestic abuse often turn to second phones to help them access lifesaving support or flee from abuse. It is crucial the devices remain hidden, she said, before adding: "We would urge the government to warn the public that alerts might be issued, when possible."" Senior government officials were reported to have been discussing whether to send the alert earlier that Friday morning. The message followed a spate of wildfires, including a blaze that destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge, West Midlands, on Thursday.