Millions of mobile phones will issue a ten-second siren warning later this year as the Government repeats a test of its controversial emergency alert system.
In line with a recommendation from the Covid inquiry regarding crisis preparation, alarms on 87 million devices will sound.
However, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticised the test, describing it as ‘the nanny state on full display’.
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg suggested turning the alert off, saying it was ‘a bossy intrusion’ used for ‘trivial matters’.
Ministers have not yet announced the date of the test, but it will see every phone receive a message similar to the previous one in April 2023.
Ministers said another national test would ensure it is functioning correctly.
Regular testing will ensure the UK remains ‘in line with other countries that test similar systems on a regular basis’, the Cabinet Office said.
Ministers have not yet announced the date of the test, but it will see every phone in the country receive a message similar to the previous test in April 2023.
Mr McFadden also announced that senior Government figures and the emergency services will take part in a multi-day pandemic preparedness exercise.
Blue light services will join senior ministers, and representatives from the nations and regions in the first test of pandemic preparedness in nearly a decade.
He said: ‘We must learn lessons from the Covid pandemic as we cannot afford to make the same mistakes again.
‘But we will plan in a way that recognises the next crisis may not be the same as the last.’
Baroness Hallett, the chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, warned the UK was not prepared nor resilient enough to deal with another pandemic at the conclusion of the probe’s first module.
She called for pandemic preparedness exercises to be held at least every three years in future.
Mr McFadden added: ‘We agree with the inquiry that more needs to be done and are announcing measures to make sure that we are as prepared as possible for future pandemics.
‘These changes will improve our resilience and preparedness and help to safeguard our citizens.’
The national exercise is expected to be held on different days over several months in the autumn, and will involve thousands of participants across the UK.
Last night Pets at Home said they would issue briefings to all their stores amid concern the phone sirens will ‘startle’ small animals.
A spokesman said: ‘All pets can be startled by loud, unexpected, and unusual noises.
‘As with the last emergency alarm test, a few weeks’ prior notice will enable colleagues across stores and veterinary practices to plan and ensure they are set up with extra measures to help keep pets calm.
‘All of our locations will have advance briefings on how to ensure our small animals and any patients in practice are safe, comfortable, and away from mobile devices.
‘For pet owners at home, you can make sure your pet has a safe space to relax in, consider extra bedding and if you think they’ll be especially started by an usual noise, set a reminder to move away from them when the test is due.’