Yahoo News Huawei says it's 'open to discussions' with Boris Johnson amid 5G ban reports
Huawei has said it remains “open to discussions” with Downing Street amid reports the UK is set to boot the Chinese firm from its 5G network.
Earlier Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the National Security Council would “look at those conditions” surrounding the controversial company and “make the right decision”.
It followed reports this morning that Boris Johnson is poised to ban the technology giant from Britain’s infrastructure before the end of the year after GCHQ reassessed its security risk.
It would be a major U-turn from ministers after No 10 and security officials previously insisted the risks can be safely managed.
Mr Hancock did not deny that the Government is set to do a U-turn on Huawei’s involvement, adding that he “wouldn’t comment on leaks of that kind”.
Now Victor Zhang, Huawei’s vice-president, has released a statement, saying: “We are working closely with our customers to find ways of managing the proposed US restrictions so the UK can maintain its current lead in 5G.
“As ever, we remain open to discussions with the government. We believe it is too early to determine the impact of the proposed restrictions, which are not about security, but about market position.
“All our world-leading products and solutions use technology and components over which the UK government has strict oversight.
“Our technology is already extensively used in 5G networks across the country and has helped connect people throughout lockdown.”
A study set to be presented to Mr Johnson this week will declare that US sanctions on Huawei will force the company to use technology that is “untrusted”, reports said.
A report by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre has decided the US sanctions barring Huawei from using technology relying on American intellectual property has had a “severe” impact on the firm, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
The Prime Minister’s decision to allow Huawei a limited roll in Britain’s 5G network is believed to have caused tension between London and Washington DC in recent months.
The involvement of the Chinese tech firm in Britain’s 5G network also caused concern among a number of prominent figures on the Conservative backbenches.
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