Background
The EM Radiation Research Trust has repeatedly raised concerns with Sefton Council regarding the public health implications for phone masts/cell towers including the latest 4G and 5G telecommunications infrastructure. These concerns are grounded in independent scientific research, international policy developments, and growing public anxiety about long-term exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF).
Eileen O’Connor, Director of the EM Radiation Research Trust, has personally attended and raised questions at Sefton Council Town Hall meetings over many years, placing these concerns directly on the public record and engaging elected members face to face.
Our correspondence built upon detailed submissions already made available publicly, including the recent report:
- Castle Point Leads the Way on 4G/5G Communications Infrastructure
- EM Radiation Research Trust Response to Sefton Council on RF-EMF and Public Health
- (Castle Point leads the way and our response to Sefton Council).
These submissions set out clear evidence, precautionary approaches adopted elsewhere, and the legal discretion available to local authorities. The Trust also included references to these letters and campaigns in its submission to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which has been accepted: EM Radiation Research Trust. (2025). Protect Residents from Wireless Radiation Hazards – Letters to Sefton Council. Liverpool, UK. https://radiationresearch.org/em-radiation-research-trust-submission-accepted-by-fcc/
Sefton Council Legal Response
On 16 December 2025, the EM Radiation Research Trust received a written response from Sefton Council, in reply to emails dated 21 November 2025 and 11 December 2025.
In response the Council said they have already provided full responses to previous correspondence and had nothing further to add. They confirmed that Sefton Council will, in accordance with its legal responsibilities and general duty to act reasonably, take into account any future changes in guidance, regulation, or policy, including findings arising from the ongoing World Health Organization task group review.
The Council further stated that it would be inappropriate to act independently from expert advice while the WHO investigation is ongoing and that it reserves the right to decline to respond further where, in its opinion, no new matters are raised. It suggested that the issues raised may be more suitable for consideration by central government departments, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department of Health and Social Care.
A Failure to Listen
Unlike Castle Point Borough Council, which has demonstrated leadership by engaging with residents and acknowledging legitimate public health concerns, Sefton Council has chosen not to engage further. Rather than exercising precaution or exploring local protective measures, Sefton Council has deferred responsibility and closed down dialogue.
This approach effectively sidelines community voices and disregards the growing body of independent scientific evidence that falls outside narrow regulatory frameworks.
Legal Precedent and the 5G Court Win
Sefton Council’s position is particularly concerning in light of a confirmed legal success challenging local authority decision-making on 5G infrastructure. The 5G Court Win – Council Watch Special documents how informed residents successfully used the law to hold councils to account and demonstrates that local authorities are not powerless when credible concerns are raised.
This case shows that councils can be challenged where planning, health considerations, or procedural fairness are inadequately addressed. It also demonstrates that community action, supported by evidence and legal understanding, can lead to meaningful outcomes.
Formal Correspondence and Questions Submitted to Sefton Council (Chronological)
The EM Radiation Research Trust has formally notified Sefton Council of public health concerns regarding phone masts including 4G and 5G infrastructure through multiple letters and questions. These are publicly available for transparency:
- Question & Background Submission (12 Sep 2024) – View page
- Liability Letter (18 Oct 2024) – View page
- Letter on Public Health Risks and AIMD Protection (29 May 2025) – View page
- Urgent Public Health Questions (2nd July 2025) – View page
- Sefton Council Public Meeting 10th July 2025 – Public Questions Silenced – View page
- Sefton Council Urgent Questions on 5G and Cancer Risk – View page
- 5G Concerns Back on Sefton Council Agenda (Jul–Sep 2025) – View page
- FCC Submission Reference – View submission
All of these documents are publicly available via our Call to Action page (https://radiationresearch.org/category/call-to-action/ ) and demonstrate that Sefton Council has been formally notified on multiple occasions.
They Can No Longer Claim They Did Not Know
Sefton Council cannot claim ignorance. The Council has been formally notified, provided with evidence, directed to successful legal challenges, and made fully aware of public concern and independent scientific findings. These letters are referenced in our submission to the US FCC. Any continued failure to act is therefore not due to a lack of information but represents a conscious decision to defer responsibility. In these circumstances, inaction becomes an issue of accountability.
Conclusion
The EM Radiation Research Trust will continue to document, challenge, and expose failures by public authorities to protect public health. Councils have both the discretion and the duty to act in the best interests of their communities. Where they choose not to do so, the public has a right to know.
Sefton Council’s response stands in stark contrast to councils that have chosen transparency, precaution, and engagement. The difference is not one of power, but of political will.