MPs seek assurances on security of UK communications infrastructure

• Letter from Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (PDF 452 KB)
• Science and Technology Committee

Several Government departments were contacted earlier this year, in response to concerns about foreign telecommunications providers, including Huawei, providing products and services to UK telecommunications network operators.

The Committee's response comes after it received a letter from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on behalf of the Government.

Chair's comments

Rt Hon Norman Lamb MP, Chair of the Science and Technology Committee, said:

“The response we have received from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has shed very little light on the extent of the potential threat to national security arising from foreign involvement in the UK's communications infrastructure, or on how the Government monitors and manages this risk.

“One thing is clear: there are obvious tensions between the various departments involved, reinforcing the view that the Government is struggling to reach a consensus on this issue.

“We hope that the Government review due out later this year, will give cohesive assurances on the steps being taken to manage this risk and to establish the scale of our dependence on Huawei, and we urge the Government to publish the findings of this review as soon as possible.

“As I have previously stated, my Committee's actions will be driven by evidence and thorough analysis, but it remains vital for our national interest that these issues are considered carefully fully and swiftly.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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