This rash Huawei deal puts us all in danger

IN this age of globalisation, we have become used to international investors buying up and developing huge swathes of British industry and infrastructure. Indeed we broadly welcome their investment, and the jobs and economic benefits it brings.

But some areas of national life are so strategically important that we must think very hard before we risk opening them up to foreign corporations – especially those controlled by a totalitarian state.

The new 5G wireless mobile network is a perfect example. It will carry and store unimaginably vast quantities of data from individuals, companies and government agencies across Britain.

The possible consequences of that data being misused are terrifying – for national security and personal privacy alike. So the news that the Chinese telecoms behemoth Huawei has been approved to build key parts of the system is deeply troubling.

Although it has tried hard in recent years to show a more open face to the world, China remains a repressive surveillance state. It spies relentlessly on its own citizens, and is strongly suspected of international and industrial espionage.

Just this week two Chinese businessmen were charged in the US with conspiring to steal aviation engine secrets.

It’s hardly surprising then, that the intelligence community is profoundly disturbed at the idea of Huawei (and therefore the Chinese state) being allowed to pore over UK communications networks.

It casts doubt on our ability to keep data secure and puts our membership of the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance – with America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand – at risk.

The US has already banned Chinese firms from working on its ‘essential’ telecoms, and is pressing close allies to do the same. It would be reckless to ride roughshod over the very real concerns of our closest ally.

Important as China is as a trading partner, this deal is a step too far. The security risks are simply too great. The Mail urges Theresa May to think again – and fast.