Fiddling while Britain burns

WE’RE going to be warned by mobile phone if we’re likely to be flooded or threatened by storms or, eventually, terrorism. The Government has done a deal with the mobile-phone operators that will cover 90% of the country.

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It means that, if a serious incident is likely, then an area ranging from the size of a local electoral ward to the whole of the UK can be alerted. You’ll know that trouble’s brewing by 10 seconds of a siren-like blast followed by a pictorial warning, which will stay in view until you turn it off.

With the likelihood of more extreme weather, this is an innovation that will be particularly welcome for those living on the sea coast or in rural areas. They have often been difficult to reach by more conventional methods and this proposal fills a major gap in our national security system. The US, the Netherlands and Japan have got it already and, as it only works one way, Big Brother can’t be watching you.