Conservative MPS raise fears over lack of Huawei debate

SENIOR Conservative MPS have warned the Government not to “force through Huawei legislation on the sly” despite concerns over security.

A group of Tory MPS has raised concerns the House of Commons may not be given a “meaningful debate” over Huawei. The Government is increasingly expected to put down a “statutory instrument” instead of introducing primary legislation. This would mean it would pass into law faster with fewer opportunities for debate and a vote on the process, MPS warned.

Bob Seely, the Tory MP, told The Daily Telegraph: “We are concerned it will backfire on the Government in future if it is seen as trying to get the decision through under the cover of secondary legislation. It’s simply a debate Parliament has not yet considered.” Mr Seely said the Government presented the 5G decision to Parliament as a “fait accompli” adding: “Instead it hit a brick wall of common sense on all sides of the House.”

Last month Boris Johnson approved allowing Huawei to build parts of Britain’s 5G network. The Government is expected to introduce the legislation over Huawei once Parliament returns from recess. MPS including Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Owen Paterson, David Davis and Mr Seely have urged the Government to reconsider its decision.

The group of Tory MPS have called for “high-risk” vendors to be ruled out now, or for sunset clauses to be inserted into legislation so they can be phased out over time.

This week Mick Mulvaney, Donald Trump’s chief of staff, said giving Huawei 5G access would have a “direct and dramatic impact” on the US’S ability to share information with the UK.