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30 January 2020updated 12 Oct 2023 10:44am

The Huawei debacle shows the government’s failure to invest in British technology

Had the Conservatives pursued a coherent national strategy, the UK would not now be dependent on a high-risk foreign corporation.

By Chi Onwurah

A photograph shows the logo of Chinese company Huawei at their main UK offices in Reading, west of London, on January 28, 2020. - Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce a strategic decision on January 28, on the participation of the controversial Chinese company Huawei in the UK's 5G network, at the risk of angering his US allies a few days before Brexit. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Where on earth is Boris Johnson? Still holidaying in the Caribbean, perhaps, or hiding in a 5G-connected fridge?

Twice this week his ministers have appeared at the despatch box to defend the fiasco that is the government’s approach to our 5G infrastructure. And twice the Prime Minister has been nowhere to be found.

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