Decision on Huawei role in Britain’s 5G delayed until after UK general election
- National vote expected on December 12 means decision on Chinese telecoms giant unlikely before 2020
- With Washington seeking to stop other governments from using Huawei equipment in 5G networks, firm has become lightning rod for tensions between US and Europe
The road to a decision has been long and controversial, dividing government departments and public opinion. Some officials have pushed for tough restrictions as a result of concerns over foreign involvement in critical national infrastructure, while others said this would saddle the telecoms industry with extra costs and delay technological upgrades.
Huawei has become a lightning rod for tensions between the US and Europe over trade and security policy as Washington threatens reprisals against any governments that allow Chinese equipment to form part of the crucial ultra-fast networks.
British intelligence agencies have repeatedly argued that Huawei is a manageable risk – pointing to its embedded oversight board in Oxfordshire, which reports directly to the National Cyber Security Centre. But intelligence officials say it is for politicians to decide whether the company’s oversight is at the correct level.
