Launched in 2023, the alerts warn people of a danger to life in their area. Testing has seen mobile phones play siren-like sounds with messages displaying on screens. Now, research from the PA news agency has uncovered when the alerts were almost sent for real. The most notable of these was the Southport riots in the summer of 2024. Widespread unrest erupted following the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July of that year. After the killings, and following online rumours that the perpetrator was a small boat migrant, violent rioting broke out in several locations. Mosques, community centres, libraries and hotels housing asylum seekers were all targeted. A recent government analysis found the situation was "largely instigated" by far-right groups. British-born Axel Rudakubana later admitted to the murders. According to the information obtained by PA through a Freedom of Information request, the situations "represent 'near misses' where the Cabinet Office has considered the use of the Emergency Alerts capability, which was ultimately stood down". Another time, the government considered sending every phone in the UK a message was earlier in 2026. It was thought debris from the Chinese Zhuque-3 space rocket could land on Britain after re-entering the atmosphere. This was wide of the mark, as the wreckage ended up hitting the water more than 1,000 miles south of New Zealand, near the Antarctic. The government said they considered the alert "due to the size of the debris, which was larger than usual". Back in May 2024, an outbreak of the parasite cryptosporidium contaminated tens of thousands of people's drinking water in Devon, with some left requiring hospitalisation The government considered using the emergency alert to tell them to boil water before using it. Read more from Sky News:At least dead in Afghanistan-Pakistan earthquakeWorld's tallest building hit by lightning In September 2025, there were concerns that the Kilroot gas power station in Northern Ireland might have to be shut off as it was nearing its yearly running limit. Having been told power shortages might be on the cards, the Cabinet Office looked into warning people via their mobiles - but decided against it. Alerts were also considered for severe weather during Storm Babet in 2025, and during rain and wind in Scotland and the North East of England in 2023. A government spokesperson said: "As the public rightly expects, the government actively considers how to respond to a wide range of potential events. "The emergency alerts system is a vital public safety tool designed to be used sparingly. Its activation threshold is very high and strictly reserved for threats to life."

The US rapper has previously been condemned over his antisemitic remarks. The 48-year-old musician - who has not performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury in 2015 - is set to top the bill for all three nights of the festival in London's Finsbury Park in July. A Pepsi spokesperson said: "Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival." Diageo, owner of Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, said on Sunday evening it had also withdrawn. A spokesperson said: "We have informed the organisers of our concerns and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless festival." Sky News has approached festival organisers for a response. In the time since he last performed on UK soil, West has drawn criticism for antisemitic X posts, a Super Bowl advert directing people to a swastika T-shirt and a song referencing Hitler. Sir Keir said it was "deeply concerning" that West has been booked "despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism". "Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure," the prime minister said. West, also known as Ye, has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions. In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: "To Those I've Hurt." "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," it said. "I love Jewish people." West attributed his previous outbursts to his bipolar-1 disorder, writing: "In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life. "I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret." The rapper also apologised to the black community, saying he had let it down. West previously lost his deal with Adidas following a post on his social media in 2022, in which he shared an image of a swastika inside a Star of David. Adidas, which had worked with the rapper on his Yeezy trainers, subsequently donated more than $150m (£117m) to anti-hate groups. Read more from Sky News:UK military reveals locations through exercise appBryan Cranston on his new role Shortly afterwards, he drew criticism over a TV advert that directed people to a website selling a swastika t-shirt and released a song titled Heil Hitler. Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, last week called for the government to ban West from entering the UK. He said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood should "ban him from coming to this country - we've got to take antisemitism more seriously". Sky News understands the Home Office is yet to receive an application for West to enter the UK.

Launched in 2023, the alerts warn people of a danger to life in their area. Testing has seen mobile phones play siren-like sounds with messages displaying on screens. Now, research from the PA news agency has uncovered when the alerts were almost sent for real. The most notable of these was the Southport riots in the summer of 2024. Widespread unrest erupted following the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in July of that year. After the killings, and following online rumours that the perpetrator was a small boat migrant, violent rioting broke out in several locations. Mosques, community centres, libraries and hotels housing asylum seekers were all targeted. A recent government analysis found the situation was "largely instigated" by far-right groups. British-born Axel Rudakubana later admitted to the murders. According to the information obtained by PA through a Freedom of Information request, the situations "represent 'near misses' where the Cabinet Office has considered the use of the Emergency Alerts capability, which was ultimately stood down". Another time, the government considered sending every phone in the UK a message was earlier in 2026. It was thought debris from the Chinese Zhuque-3 space rocket could land on Britain after re-entering the atmosphere. This was wide of the mark, as the wreckage ended up hitting the water more than 1,000 miles south of New Zealand, near the Antarctic. The government said they considered the alert "due to the size of the debris, which was larger than usual". Back in May 2024, an outbreak of the parasite cryptosporidium contaminated tens of thousands of people's drinking water in Devon, with some left requiring hospitalisation The government considered using the emergency alert to tell them to boil water before using it. Read more from Sky News:At least dead in Afghanistan-Pakistan earthquakeWorld's tallest building hit by lightning In September 2025, there were concerns that the Kilroot gas power station in Northern Ireland might have to be shut off as it was nearing its yearly running limit. Having been told power shortages might be on the cards, the Cabinet Office looked into warning people via their mobiles - but decided against it. Alerts were also considered for severe weather during Storm Babet in 2025, and during rain and wind in Scotland and the North East of England in 2023. A government spokesperson said: "As the public rightly expects, the government actively considers how to respond to a wide range of potential events. "The emergency alerts system is a vital public safety tool designed to be used sparingly. Its activation threshold is very high and strictly reserved for threats to life."

Leeds booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years with a dramatic penalties win over West Ham and will play Chelsea at Wembley after they thrashed League One Port Vale 7-0. Manchester City, who thrashed Liverpool 4-0 to reach the final four for an eighth consecutive season, will face promotion-chasing Southampton after they stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal at St Mary's in a 2-1 win. FA Cup fixtures | Latest newsGot Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺Download the Sky Sports app | Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp The semi-final matches will take place at Wembley Stadium on either Saturday April 25 or Sunday April 26. Fifty years on from their last FA Cup victory, Southampton must stop City from reaching the final for a fourth successive season if they wish to repeat their 1976 success. Seven-time winners City, who last won the FA Cup in 2023, have lost to Crystal Palace and Manchester United in their last two finals. Eight-time winners Chelsea, who have not won the FA Cup since 2018, take on their 1970 final opponents in Leeds. The Londoners came out on top in that contest after it went to a replay. Leeds bounced back from that final defeat to lift the FA Cup in 1972 – but have not progressed beyond the semi-final stage since 1987. What does it mean for FA Cup semi-finalists' fixtures? Chelsea's fixtures Sunday April 12: Man City (H) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsSaturday April 18: Man Utd (H) - Premier LeagueTues April 21/Weds April 22/Thurs April 23 (date to be announced): Brighton (A) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsSat 25/ Sun 26 April: Leeds (N) - FA Cup semi-finalMonday May 4: Nottingham Forest (H) - Premier LeagueSaturday May 9: Liverpool (A) - Premier League Leeds' fixtures: Monday April 13: Man Utd (A) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsSaturday April 18: Wolves (H) - Premier LeagueTues April 21/Weds April 22/Thurs April 23 (date to be announced): Bournemouth (A) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsSat 25/ Sun 26 April: Chelsea (N) - FA Cup semi-finalFriday May 1: Burnley (H) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsMonday May 11: Tottenham (A) - Premier League, live on Sky Sports Man City's fixtures: Sunday April 12: Chelsea (A) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsSunday April 19: Arsenal (H) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsTues April 21/Weds April 22/Thurs April 23 (date to be announced): Burnley (A) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsSat 25/ Sun 26 April: Southampton (N) - FA Cup semi-finalMonday May 4: Everton (A) - Premier League, live on Sky SportsSaturday May 9: Brentford (H) - Premier League Southampton's fixtures: Tuesday April 7: Wrexham (A) - Championship, live on Sky SportsSaturday April 11: Derby (H) - ChampionshipSaturday April 18: Swansea (A) - ChampionshipTuesday April 21: Bristol City (H) - Championship, live on Sky SportsSat 25/ Sun 26 April: Man City (N) - FA Cup semi-finalTuesday April 28: Ipswich (H) - Championship, live on Sky Sports

The US rapper has previously been condemned over his antisemitic remarks. The 48-year-old musician - who has not performed in the UK since he headlined Glastonbury in 2015 - is set to top the bill for all three nights of the festival in London's Finsbury Park in July. A Pepsi spokesperson said: "Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival." Diageo, owner of Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan, said on Sunday evening it had also withdrawn. A spokesperson said: "We have informed the organisers of our concerns and as it stands, Diageo will not sponsor the 2026 Wireless festival." Sky News has approached festival organisers for a response. In the time since he last performed on UK soil, West has drawn criticism for antisemitic X posts, a Super Bowl advert directing people to a swastika T-shirt and a song referencing Hitler. Sir Keir said it was "deeply concerning" that West has been booked "despite his previous antisemitic remarks and celebration of Nazism". "Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure," the prime minister said. West, also known as Ye, has been barred from X over antisemitism on multiple occasions. In January, West took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: "To Those I've Hurt." "I am not a Nazi or an antisemite," it said. "I love Jewish people." West attributed his previous outbursts to his bipolar-1 disorder, writing: "In early 2025, I fell into a four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life. "I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret." The rapper also apologised to the black community, saying he had let it down. West previously lost his deal with Adidas following a post on his social media in 2022, in which he shared an image of a swastika inside a Star of David. Adidas, which had worked with the rapper on his Yeezy trainers, subsequently donated more than $150m (£117m) to anti-hate groups. Read more from Sky News:UK military reveals locations through exercise appBryan Cranston on his new role Shortly afterwards, he drew criticism over a TV advert that directed people to a website selling a swastika t-shirt and released a song titled Heil Hitler. Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, last week called for the government to ban West from entering the UK. He said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood should "ban him from coming to this country - we've got to take antisemitism more seriously". Sky News understands the Home Office is yet to receive an application for West to enter the UK.

He was "an incredibly handsome man", he jokes, before expanding on their relationship later in life. Cranston tells Sky News: "I remember taking my father to therapy once. And he recited back to me and my siblings. We thought this was a great breakthrough [that we'd be] able to finally talk about his past and the war. "It wasn't that way. He was too closed down. He quoted Oedipus. I don't think he realised it, but he did. He said: 'I'd rather stick needles in my eyes than go through that again.' It's like, that's how painful it was." It wasn't the ideal father-son relationship, with Joseph Cranston, a jobbing actor and scriptwriter, walking out on his family when Bryan was just 11. They would reconnect years later and stay in contact until Joseph's death in 2014, aged 90, but the damage had been done. Now 70 himself, with a daughter (Taylor Deardon, also an actor, currently starring in medical drama The Pitt), Cranston has drawn on his father's memory to play Joe Keller, a self-made businessman who justifies his wrongdoing in the play as necessary for success. "There's a lot of my father in this character that I play. I just plucked him and said, 'Come with me'. And we're on stage together… "It's like, that's my character there. And ironically, my father's name was Joe." Would his father have recognised himself? "I hope that he would be able to see it. But you know, it's easier to see other people in someone else than it is yourself." 'It's an actor's sin to judge your character' Cranston stars in the National Theatre production opposite Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who plays his wife Kate Keller. Although born in south London, she has lived in LA for more than two decades. With the play famously deconstructing the American Dream, is the current polarisation of politics in the US something that is feeding into their performance? Jean-Baptiste says not: "I think you can't play to that. You're aware of it, obviously, but we just play the truth of the characters, their relationships, their experiences." Cranston agrees: "It's an actor's sin to judge your character… We have to stay subjective and let the audience feel that… If we have them talking when they're leaving the theatre and still feeling it, we've really done our job." 'Post-truth era - it makes me shiver' Jean-Baptiste gained widespread recognition and an Oscar nomination for her role in Mike Leigh's 1996 film Secrets And Lies, themes both central to this play. But in our post-truth era, where lies can be reframed as alternative facts, are the secrets and lies in the play open for fresh interpretation? Jean-Baptiste says that's the beauty of a play: "No two people are going to have the same experience. Different things are going to resonate with different people. "I never argue with anybody when they come to see a play [and say] 'Oh, that was about that'. I'm interested and intrigued by why they thought it, but it's theirs." Cranston agrees that art is so subjective, no one can be wrong. But he couches that with a word of warning for the play's modern audience. "Post-truth era, it makes me shiver. But it's true that the perception of the truth is even more powerful than the truth itself. And that's a scary thing." All My Sons, directed by Ivo van Hove, releases to cinemas worldwide through NT Live from 16 April.

The prime minister released his statement as is traditional from Downing Street. He said that in 'times when some seek to divide, the government is committed to working across faiths and differences, to build a country that is more resilient, inclusive and connected'. This follows a row earlier last month over whether Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square as part of Eid constituted a "domination" of public space, as argued by the shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy and agreed by Reform. A Passion of Jesus performance, showing the story of the crucifixion, was put on in the square on Good Friday. Sir Keir also addressed the impact on cost of living from the war in the Middle East. In his Easter message, Sir Keir said: "Easter is a celebration of hope, new life and renewal. "Across the country, churches and Christian communities quietly and tirelessly support families, children and neighbours - offering comfort, bringing people together, and standing alongside those who need it most. "It is precisely that spirit of service which exemplifies national renewal, and reflects the very heart of Christ's example. "This Easter comes at a time of real anxiety for many people. Conflicts abroad, pressures at home, and uncertainty about the future weigh heavily on families and households. "In moments like these, faith offers reassurance and grounding - a reminder that we are not alone, and that hope can still take root even in difficult soil." Read more:Weather warnings over Easter weekendBeatrice and Eugenie to miss Easter church service The prime minister added: "Our country is at its best when we choose community over division, kindness over indifference, and service over self‑interest. "I thank everyone who gives their time through churches and Christian charities, and wish Christians across the UK and around the world a very happy Easter filled with peace, hope and the promise of new life." Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch also shared a message, describing Easter as "a reminder that even in the darkest times, renewal is possible and that light can overcome darkness". "At the heart of the Christian faith is a story of redemption, of second chances, of perseverance and of the belief that better days lie ahead," she said. 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 "In a world that can often feel uncertain, perhaps even bleak, with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and challenges at home, that message matters more than ever. "Across the country, we also see the cultural value of Christianity in the quiet, everyday impact of that faith in acts of kindness, service and sacrifice in our communities. I wish Christians and all people across the United Kingdom a very happy Easter."

Immediately after the win on the Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper undercard at London's Olympia, Cameron called for a fight with Mikaela Mayer and faced off with the American star, and fellow two-weight world champion, in the ring. "So much respect for Mikaela Mayer, she's a great fighter, I wanted this fight with Mikaela for ages," Cameron told Sky Sports. "We've been speaking, we should give the fans a great fight for women's boxing." Big-fight predictions: Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper - who wins?McGuigan: Scotney can be a three-weight undisputed championGet Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW Cameron, a former undisputed world champion at 140lbs and the sole professional conqueror of Katie Taylor, was stepping up to super-welter for the first time and meeting Kotaskova in the first women's world title to be fought with three-minute rounds on UK soil. She came into her own at that distance, winning a unanimous decision, 100-90 and 99-91 twice, after 10 three-minute rounds. Cameron didn't need to rush herself but applied solid, persistent pressure to her Czech opponent. Early on she found a home for a right over the top. But it was her targeted work to the body that drained Kotaskova and forced the Czech to back away. Cameron warmed to the task, reeling off uppercuts, slamming hooks into Kotaskova's stomach and then bombing more rights into the head. Both picked up marks and bruises and Cameron was nicked on the nose. But Cameron was the fighter dishing out the hurtful punches and as the bout passed into its second half the Briton had Kotaskova reeling. Kotaskova tagged Cameron occasionally, but she grew increasingly desperate, throwing out pattering punches to try to dissuade the former undisputed champ. Cameron punched a left hook into Kotaskova in the eighth round to shake her up once more. But she didn't manage to chop her taller opponent down. In the next session the Czech strode out into the centre of the ring to trade blows with Cameron. She took heart from that and came on again in the final round. Cameron covered up and uncorked a fine left hook, before seeing out her decision victory. Irma Garcia crushed Emma Dolan's world title dream in three rounds to defend the IBF super-flyweight belt. After winning the first British and Commonwealth women's super-flyweight titles, Dolan was challenging for world honours for the first time in her ninth professional fight. Mexico's Garcia, vastly more experienced as a pro fighter, is not only a two-time world champion but a police officer (and qualified lawyer), as well as being 17 years Dolan's senior. After the first round of action it looked like Dolan was handling the step up to world level. She got forward behind long straight punches and kept busy. Garcia even winced after taking a left hook to the head. But Garcia changed everything in the second round. A hook with her southpaw left stunned Dolan and she knocked the Briton down. A straight back hand, blasted down the middle, put Dolan over a second time. Bravely Dolan got through the round, but Garcia planted her back on the canvas in the third. Then the Mexican bowled a right over. It caught Dolan on the forehead wobbling her. Dolan's corner pulled her out at that point, an expert call. Courtenay: I want the Bridges fight Former WBA bantamweight world champion Shannon Courtenay continued on the comeback trail, looking dangerous as she halted Sasha Booker in three rounds. Courtenay selected single shots, nailing Booker flush with her backhand as well as clipping her taller opponent with the left hook. She dropped Booker in the second round, bringing power to bear. Courtenay kept the Nottingham fighter under pressure in the third. Their heads thumped together and Courtenay then sent Booker down with a left hook to the body. Booker was counted out on a knee, clutching her head, with three seconds left in the round. Courtenay is now hunting a rematch with Ebanie Bridhes, whom she beat in 2021 to win that WBA belt. "I won a world title, world at my feet, lost it and everything came crashing down, I only had myself to blame," Courtenay said. "I want the Bridges fight." Finnish prospect Teresa Makinen preserved her unbeaten record, coming through a tight eight-rounder with Chloe Watson. The former European champion from Birkenhead landed sharp shots, catching Makinen with a right hook as they came out of a clinch. But Makinen managed to steer herself to a 77-75 victory. Elizabeth Oshoba, Nigeria's 2022 Commonwealth Games medallist now based in Bristol, handed Chelsey Arnell a third-round stoppage defeat. Oshoba lined up a brace of backhand shots, rocking Arnell and prompting the referee to step in and wave off the bout 42 seconds into the third.