Skip to main content

Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Abena Oppong-Asare (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 September 2025 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.


Emergencies: Mobile Phones

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the accessibility of the UK Emergency Alert System for people who are (a) visually and (b) hearing impaired.

Answer

We have ensured that the Emergency Alerts system works with voice reader software. This means that everyone who already has this and all other accessibility settings enabled on their phones should have the alert read out to them.

As part of the communications campaign, we have developed a British Sign Language information video explaining the upcoming national test.

We have also engaged with disability groups, including the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and Mencap. These charities conducted engagement campaigns to reach individuals with visual impairments to help them understand more about the alerts.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
73628
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Hearing impairment Emergencies Mobile phones Visual impairment Warnings
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk