- The policy was implemented in response to the heavy bombing of British cities, which began in earnest in September 1940 with the German Luftwaffe's campaign known as The Blitz.
- The government's evacuation policy was initially voluntary, but it became compulsory in certain areas as the bombing intensified. Families were encouraged to send their children to live with relatives or friends in safer areas, or to evacuation hostels or camps set up by the government.
- The government also arranged for the evacuation of schools and other essential services from cities to the countryside.
- The evacuation policy proved to be a success in reducing the number of civilian casualties during the war, and it is estimated that over two million people were evacuated at one point or another.
- However, the policy also had a number of negative consequences, including the separation of families, disruption of education, and social isolation for evacuees.