This week the Government took the very difficult, but absolutely correct decision to ban Chinese telecommunications company Huawei from Britain’s 5G network.
This means that buying new Huawei 5G equipment will be banned after December 31 and that all Huawei equipment will be removed from 5G networks by end of 2027.
This decision follows a technical review by the National Cyber Security Centre in response to US sanctions.
The existing ban on Huawei from the most sensitive ‘core’ parts of our 5G network also remains.
Whilst I welcome foreign investment in the UK and want us to be an open and trading nation, we must also consider the wider security impact and for this reason I fully support what culture secretary Oliver Dowden said in his statement to the House of Commons. He said: “By the time of the next election we will have implemented in law an irreversible path for the complete removal of Huawei equipment from our 5G networks”. Keeping our country secure is the primary duty of a government to its people and this consideration precedes all others.
This week also saw Michael Gove announce £700 million to secure Britain’s borders after the Brexit transition period ends. I welcome this funding, the commitment to stamp out illegal immigration (such as English Channel crossings) and plans to support the new points-based immigration system.
Britain already deport hundreds of illegal immigrants and criminals, but as we take back control of our borders this gives us the opportunity to do more.
Recently, I’ve been asked a lot about when the events industry can re- start.
Theatres are now allowed to stage outdoor performances and I’m hopeful that we can do something for others in the not too distant future.
Of course, it’s not just re-starting that’s the problem, but also the limits on numbers that can be an issue.
This is particularly challenging for some of our great local businesses such as North Notts Arena.
I’m currently lobbying to try and help out this industry and many others so they can get back to business and do it as safely as possible.
