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5G Network and Huawei
27 January 2020
Lead MP
Thomas Tugendhat
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Science & TechnologyBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 44
At a Glance
Thomas Tugendhat raised concerns about 5g network and huawei in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The risk of allowing Huawei's involvement in Britain's critical national infrastructure is significant, considering its alleged ties to the Chinese state and security apparatus. The decision will have long-term implications for the UK and should not be taken lightly.
Matt Warman
15:32:00
The Government's telecoms supply chain review prioritises strong cyber-security, network resilience, and diversity across the entire 5G supply chain. A decision on high-risk vendors will be made after a thorough analysis and consultation with allies.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
The risk of involving Huawei in Britain's critical infrastructure is significant, given its alleged involvement with the Chinese state and security apparatus. The decision will have long-term implications for national security and should be approached with caution.
Requests assurances about the integrity and safety of any network involving Huawei, questioning the progress made since March 2021. Concerned about potential delays in 5G roll-out and economic impact, as well as lack of homegrown suppliers.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Suggests that the Intelligence and Security Committee could conduct a detailed investigation to address concerns about Huawei's involvement in 5G networks.
John Nicolson
SNP
Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
Concerned about the inclusion of Chinese-owned technology in UK's digital infrastructure. Asked for guidance on what is included in a ban and assurances regarding security and autonomy of data.
Matt Warman
Con
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Stated that any decision would be made after engagement with intelligence agencies, considering the long-term consequences. Emphasised national security as a top priority.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Asked for further clarification on government's stance without providing detailed arguments or statistics.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Sought confirmation of a proper security risk assessment and urged the UK to proceed based on evidence rather than external pressure. Highlighted interdependence with China as a strategic goal to reduce conflict risks.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Highlighted the importance of sovereign capability in national security, urging the new defence and security review to emphasise this aspect over cost considerations.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Expressed concern that allowing Huawei's involvement would be a strategic error given China's alleged cyber activities, urging the government to reject Huawei immediately.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Stretford and Urmston
Asked for assurances that decisions would be made in national interest without undue influence from external threats or bullying.
Bob Seely
Con
Isle of Wight
Questioned the logic behind limiting Huawei to peripheral network roles, citing concerns raised by allies and highlighting potential risks associated with 5G networks.
Daisy Cooper
Lib Dem
St Albans
Raised human rights implications of granting access to foreign firms, urging stringent impact assessments for all companies wanting public contracts or running critical infrastructure in the UK.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Asked for reassurances that decision would be made according to intelligence agency advice and considering long-term commercial viability of Huawei equipment.
John Spellar
Lab
Eston
Questioned the logic behind prioritising cost over security, suggesting a Treasury short-sighted approach was putting national interests at risk.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Asked why technological dependency on China had not been addressed earlier and urged the government to develop indigenous technology to avoid reliance on non-ally countries.
Matt Warman
Con
Discussed the complexity of decision-making regarding Huawei's involvement in UK’s 5G network, emphasising the need to consider research and development investment for a diverse landscape. He also mentioned the potential risks involved and the importance of national security.
Stewart Hosie
SNP
Dundee East
Asked about the Government's awareness of potential risks if Huawei were involved in the non-core part of the 5G network, highlighting documented risks such as intellectual property theft and pressure on Chinese citizens.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Expressed concerns about long-term security implications of China's growing power and influence, questioning the need for greater transparency in international relations regarding Huawei.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
Declared his interest in internet-connected devices in critical national infrastructure. Raised concerns about the UK’s position amidst conflicting policies from China, EU and US, asking for absolute reassurance on technology safety within critical infrastructure.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Asked the Minister to look at Worcestershire local enterprise partnership's 5G testbed work in Malvern and urged the Foreign Secretary to ensure a UK ambassador in Washington is appointed.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Eccles South
Questioned the Minister’s scepticism regarding Huawei’s bid for 2G, 3G and 4G networks at reduced prices, highlighting risks to both security and commercial market control.
Owen Paterson
Con
North Shropshire
Expressed concern over risks highlighted by former MI6 officials regarding Huawei’s involvement in the network. Asked for justification on why such a risk is being considered when other options exist.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Discussed China's political stance, mentioning regular cyber-attacks and industrial espionage, questioning fairness in doing business with such entities.
Damian Collins
Con
English constituency
Raised concerns about the Huawei oversight board’s report on serious systemic failings in cybersecurity within current networks. Questioned the Government's readiness to give more work to a company with unresolved issues.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked for an outline of the impact on existing 5G networks using Huawei equipment and queried the influence of US advice on decision-making.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
Emphasised national security as a priority, questioned China’s approach to foreign involvement in critical infrastructure, suggesting it should be given serious consideration.
Martin Docherty
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
Questioned the Government's decision-making regarding Huawei despite China's human rights violations and the Communist party’s role in suppressing religious groups like Uighur Muslims.
Cambridge
Proposed a bond mechanism to ensure swift replacement costs if Huawei were to breach national security. Highlighted long-term ramifications and strategic planning.
Jonathan Reynolds
Lab Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Called for caution regarding Huawei’s involvement due to potential risks highlighted by the security services.
Matt Warman
15:32:00
Responded that while China differs from the UK in managing relationships with mobile networks, decisions will be guided by national security concerns and Cabinet recommendations.
Damian Green
15:32:00
Asked if Cabinet would consider security over economic factors and questioned whether the country can provide its own communications infrastructure.
Geraint Davies
15:32:00
Questioned justification for importing surveillance technology from a country practising mass oppression in Xinjiang.
Neil O'Brien
Con
Harborough, Oadby and Wigston
Emphasised the need to retain core capabilities domestically despite trade relations with China, referencing security concerns raised by Bloomberg Businessweek.
Alex Norris
Lab Co-op
Nottingham North and Kimberley
Asked when the Government would consider domestic providers for infrastructure projects, highlighting a contradiction in their industrial strategy.
Richard Drax
15:32:00
Inquired how to extricate Huawei from existing telecommunications networks if further involvement is deemed risky.
Ronnie Cowan
15:32:00
Asked for a 100% guarantee that UK digital connectivity will not be compromised by any future deal with Huawei.
Andrew Bridgen
15:32:00
Suggested potential risks to the Five Eyes alliance and shared intelligence if the UK partners with Huawei on 5G technology.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Asked whether there were any measures addressing public health concerns regarding 5G implementation, citing community worries in her constituency.
Henry Smith
15:32:00
Inquired about discussions with other Five Eyes allies, such as Australia and New Zealand, regarding Huawei’s involvement in their 5G networks.
Tim Loughton
15:32:00
Highlighted China's history of using technology for espionage and cyber-disruption, questioning the downside of choosing a low-risk vendor from an allied country.
Virginia Crosbie
15:32:00
Asked if rural areas like Ynys Môn would be included in 5G rollouts and assured that such areas are part of the programme's test beds and trials.
Kevin Hollinrake
Con
Thirsk and Malton
Asked if fair trade should be considered, noting state support for Huawei puts western companies at a disadvantage.
Gary Sambrook
15:32:00
Inquired about assurances regarding the safety of Birmingham’s 5G network to ease business concerns over security risks.
Government Response
The Government’s telecoms supply chain review prioritises strong cyber-security, network resilience, and diversity across the entire 5G supply chain. A decision on high-risk vendors will be made after a thorough analysis. Emphasised that decisions would be made after engagement with intelligence agencies, considering long-term consequences and prioritising national security. Discussed the complexity of decision-making regarding Huawei's involvement in UK’s 5G network, emphasising the need to consider research and development investment for a diverse landscape. He also mentioned the potential risks involved and the importance of national security. Responded to multiple queries, emphasising national security considerations and the Government's role in ensuring safe technology rollouts.
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