British Prime Minister Theresa May will reportedly allow Huawei some access to the country’s 5G network.
Leon Neal / Getty Images
British Prime Minister Theresa May apparently gave Huawei the thumbs up to help build the country’s 5G infrastructure, in a limited way.
The National Security Council, which May chairs, agreed on Tuesday to let the scandal-scarred Chinese telecom work on “noncore” parts of the infrastructure, the Telegraph reported.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt expressed concerns about the agreement, the paper noted.
A government spokesperson noted via email that the council’s decisions are “confidential” and that the security of the country’s telecoms network is “of paramount importance.”
“As part of our plans to provide world class digital connectivity, including 5G, we have conducted an evidence based review of the supply chain to ensure a diverse and secure supply base, now and into the future,” the spokesperson wrote.
“This is a thorough review into a complex area and will report with its conclusions in due course.”
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The decision could frustrate the US, which earlier this year pressured its European allies not to adopt Huawei 5G equipment, citing fears that it could be used to spy for China.
It also comes less than a month after the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre (HCSEC) Oversight Board reported that the company’s approach to software development brings “significantly increased risk to UK operators.”
Huawei didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
First published at 2:49 a.m. PT.
Updated at 3:43 a.m. PT: Adds government response.