Digital Minister Nicky Morgan has said the UK should reach a decision on whether to allow Huawei equipment in 5G networks by the autumn.
“We will make the right decision for the UK. I would hope we could do something by the autumn,” Morgan told BBC radio. “We’ve got to make sure that this is going to be a decision for the long term, making sure that we keep all our networks secure.”
The timing of Morgan’s remark is notable, coming as the G7 meeting in Biarritz, France, was drawing to a close. Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with President Trump—who has been critical of Huawei—for the first time since taking office.
Some commentators have suggested any post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the US could hinge on Britain excluding Huawei from national 5G infrastructure.
Speaking to Reuters last month, Johnson said:
“It is very important to recognise that there can be significant benefits to investment from overseas in this country and Chinese companies are welcome as much as any other companies, but you would not expect the UK to do anything to compromise its vital national security infrastructure and you would not expect me as prime minister to do anything to compromise the ability of our fantastic intelligence services to share information as they do particularly with our five eyes partners, so that is the principle that will guide us.”
The United States has warned that intelligence sharing with the UK could be affected if Huawei equipment is deployed in British 5G networks. US officials argue Huawei is subject to control by Beijing and could be compelled to assist with state surveillance — a claim the company firmly denies.
While security concerns could strain intelligence cooperation, those concerns do not necessarily translate directly into restrictions on broader trade between the UK and the US.
At his G7 press conference, Johnson was asked whether President Trump had pressed him on Huawei during trade discussions. Johnson replied simply: “no”.
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