Donald Trump urged Boris Johnson to let the US help build Britain’s 5G network as Huawei controversy continues
DONALD Trump has urged Boris Johnson to let the US help build Britain's 5G network as the Huawei controversy continues.
The US is said to be furious over the Prime Ministers plans to hand the Chinese telecoms giant a role in building the UK's 5G network.
Concerns are also being raised in the PM’s own cabinet, with fears over spying ahead of the final decision on Tuesday.
In a phone call on Friday, the US President is said to have told Mr Johnson that the US could step in and help the UK to build the network instead of Huawei.
The US has ramped up the pressure on Britain over the network, with three senators writing to the National Security Council to urge caution.
They claimed Huawei's “actions show a clear record of predatory and problematic behaviour”, adding it is in the “best interest” of the UK to exclude them from the 5G network.
There are said to be growing concerns that the potential involvement of Huawei could harm intelligence sharing with Britain and cause lasting damage to the “special relationship”.
The US administration has repeatedly demanded allies ban Huawei from their infrastructure, claiming it would be a security risk.
Last year, the US imposed trade restrictions on Huawei over concerns about the company's security and ties to the Chinese government.
A White House statement said: “The two leaders discussed important regional and bilateral issues, including working together to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks”.
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A Downing Street spokeswoman added: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump.
“They discussed a range of issues, including cooperation to ensure the security of our telecommunications networks.”
The tech giant has repeatedly denied allegations that their telecommunications equipment could be used for spying.
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