Huawei leak scandal rocks British government

LONDON: Britain’s splintered government was rocked Friday by a burgeoning scandal over who leaked news that Prime Minister Theresa May has conditionally allowed China’s Huawei to develop the UK 5G network.

The bitterly disputed decision was reportedly made at a Tuesday meeting of Britain’s National Security Council.

A handful of ministers who are seen as likely candidates to replace May were said to have argued passionately against giving China the sensitive role.

National Security Council discussions are only attended by senior ministers and security officials who first sign the Official Secrets Act that commits them to keep conversations private or risk prosecution.

But The Daily Telegraph newspaper broke the news late Tuesday that May approved granting Huawei permission to build up “non-core” elements of Britain’s next-generation telecommunications network.

The United States is adamantly opposed to Huawei’s involvement because of the firm’s obligation under Chinese law to help its home government gather intelligence or provide other security services when required.

British media reported that Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill — the country’s most senior civil servant — gave those present an ultimatum until Thursday afternoon to deny responsibility for the leak.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson did so first.

Hunt called it “utterly appalling” and Williamson described it as “completely unacceptable”.

They were soon joined by interior minister Sajid Javid — who like Hunt is one of the frontrunners to succeed May as Conservative Party leader — and at least one other attending cabinet member.

May herself said Thursday that she does not comment on National Security Council matters.

Some UK media outlets jokingly compared May’s government to a sieve because of its constant supply of inside information to reporters.