Emergency numbers in United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: 999 is the UK emergency number for police, ambulance, fire and coastguard, and 112 also works and is free. 101 is the police non-emergency number, 111 gives non-emergency medical advice and 105 is the power cut helpline.

RuleWhat applies
General emergency numberCalling emergency services999 is the national emergency number in the UK, and 112, the pan-European equivalent, can also be used. The call is answered with 'emergency, which service?' and passed to the right emergency service control room. Calls to 999 and 112 are free. [1]
PoliceCalling emergency servicesIn an emergency call 999 (or 112) and ask for the police. 101 is the police non-emergency number and is free. [1]
AmbulanceCalling emergency servicesIn an emergency call 999 (or 112) and ask for the ambulance service. [1]
Fire brigadeCalling emergency servicesIn an emergency call 999 (or 112) and ask for the fire service. [1]
Other emergency linesCalling emergency servicesThe call-charges list gives 101 for police non-emergency matters, 111 for non-emergency medical advice and 105 for the UK-wide power cut helpline; all are free to call. The coastguard is reached through 999 or 112. [2]

Notes

  • The 999 and 112 page lists police among the services reached; it does not name a separate police emergency number.
  • The call-charges page was last updated on 6 May 2015, so the numbers are as listed there; NHS 111 is run separately in each UK nation.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and others): 999 and 112: the UK's national emergency numbers (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. GOV.UK: Call charges and phone numbers (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.