PM may backtrack on Huawei 5G deal
Spy chiefs review advice amid fresh security fears
BORIS Johnson is reconsidering his controversial decision to give Huawei access to Britain’s 5G network after fresh security warnings by spy chiefs.
Intelligence agencies are reviewing advice given to No10 amid concerns new US sanctions on the Chinese company could scupper the goal of bringing in the superfast broadband technology nationwide.
In January, the cyber wing of GCHQ said the risk associated with letting Huawei into the broadband could be mitigated – but a change of advice could force Mr Johnson to pull plans to use the firm’s kit in 35 per cent of the network.
The fresh US sanctions, announced earlier this month, outlaw any American intellectual property from being used in the production of Huawei equipment.
This presents a problem for the UK because mobile chips manufactured for use in Huawei products use US technology.
But British spies have warned Downing Street that the Chinese alternatives currently being discussed cannot be trusted. Whitehall sources said the ‘consequences’ were being worked out and a decision had not yet been made.
A Government spokesman said: ‘The security and resilience of our networks is of paramount importance. Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is looking carefully at any impact they could have on the networks.’ Victor Zhang, vice president of Huawei, said: ‘As a private company, 100 per cent owned by employees, which has operated in the UK for 20 years, our priority has been to help mobile and broadband companies keep Britain connected, which in this current health crisis has been more vital than ever.’
Mr Johnson had approved a limited role for Huawei in building the country’s 5G network, angering Donald Trump.
But China’s response during the virus crisis has increased pressure on the Government to reverse the decision, while some senior Tories believe the Government will fail to get the legislation through the Commons this summer.
One Conservative MP said No 10 would ‘struggle to explain to MPs why it is appropriate for China to be given more influence’ after the crisis. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Huawei of spying for Beijing, which the firm strenuously denies.
The rethink comes ahead of a possible G7 summit in the US next month and after Mr Johnson held a meeting of his
National Security Council last week – the first since February – to discuss the reliance of UK supply chains on foreign states.
The fresh fears come as an investigation was launched into the torching of a 5G mobile phone mast in Derby just days after it was erected. Police said they believe the blaze, attended at 2am yesterday, was started deliberately. It follows more than 50 incidents nationwide believed to be linked to false claims the network is spreading coronavirus – ‘fake news’ that has prompted crackdowns from social media giants.