Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, which Minister gave authorisation for the national emergency alert sent in August 2026.

The Emergency Alert broadcast on 14 August was authorised by the First Secretary of State following a request from the National Fire Chiefs Council. Every Emergency Alert is carefully coordinated with responding public bodies and agencies.

This tool is only used in emergency scenarios and where the need is greatest. The Cabinet Office remains committed to reviewing every alert request on a case-by-case basis.