GO AD-FREE. Get 2 Months Digital Subscription for ONLY £1! Use code 2FOR1
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
GO AD-FREE. Get 2 Months Digital Subscription for ONLY £1! Use code 2FOR1
GET STARTEDMore on KentOnline
An MP has raised questions about the UK's future dealings with Chinese tech company Huawei.
Tom Tugendhat, who represents Tonbridge and Malling, said progress had been made after the government decided to impose restrictions on the firm but he still has concerns.
The politician has been urging the government to reconsider using the firm for its 5G network and a decision on the country's future dealings with it was declared in parliament yesterday.
Speaking in the House of Commons, foreign secretary Dominic Raab said, after review, the government decided it would allow the networks to continue but with limitations.
The tech organisation, which has been linked to espionage accusations in several countries, including Uganda and Tanzania, will be restricted to supplying technology to 35% of the UK's network and will be banned from supplying it to sensitive parts, including locations near military bases and nuclear sites.
The review came after pressure from the United States to block the company completely.
It is fears there are security risks attached to using its equipment due to its links to the Chinese government.
Following the announcement, Mr Tugendhat said he was concerned the 35% figure, which he welcomes, doesn't have an end date and fears it will stay in place instead of eventually eliminating reliance on the company further down the line.
The MP has criticised the suggestion that the company could be excluded from specific areas.
He said: "It seems near impossible to achieve in densely populated areas and in a world of mobile devices."
He also fears the UK won't be able to attract other established vendors which can compete with Huawei's cheaper prices.
Taking to Twitter, he said the foreign secretary's statement left many concerns and didn't close the UK's networks to a "frequently malign international actor."
He added: "If we're to avoid finding ourselves in a similar position with 6G in the future, we will need to act now. I will be talking to ministers urgently."
The Tonbridge and Malling representative spoke of his concerns with using the company earlier this week.
