UK is ‘nesting a dragon’ by allowing Huawei equipment in 5G network
The UK will be ‘nesting a dragon’ if it allows Chinese tech firm Huawei to participate in its 5G network, a senior Tory MP has warned.
Last week it emerged the government will give the green light for Huawei’s equipment to be used in non-core parts of the network, despite warnings from spy bosses over national security concerns.
Read more: Vodafone found security flaws in Huawei equipment
But Tom Tugendhat, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, today slammed Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision, describing it as “frankly extraordinary”.
“Could the Prime Minister explain why she feels ignoring two of our closest intelligence allies and putting in danger a 70-year intelligence sharing relationship that has underpinned the security of the UK is worth it for Chinese commercial gain?” he asked.
The debate around Huawei has sparked an international political storm as countries disagree on the risks associated with the Chinese firm.
Earlier this week the US, which has warned the company could be a vehicle for spying by Chinese authorities, told its allies it will reassess intelligence-sharing agreements with any country that uses Huawei’s technology.
Speaking today at Prime Minister’s Questions, May said the government was “committed to taking decisions supported by a hard-headed, technically-informed assessment of the risk”.
The issue is said to have sparked discord in the Cabinet, with foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt warning the UK should exercise “a degree of caution” over the role of large Chinese companies in critical infrastructure.
Read more: US says it may reassess intel sharing with allies that use Huawei tech
A Whitehall inquiry is also underway after details of the government’s plans were leaked from a confidential meeting of the National Security Council.
The government is yet to comment on the reports, and has said it will publish its verdict in the upcoming telecoms supply chain review.