US security adviser John Bolton to lobby UK over Huawei stance
US national security adviser John Bolton has arrived in London for talks at which he is expected to urge Britain to take a tougher stance against Chinese tech firm Huawei.
Bolton is set to take part in two days of talks, as US President Donald Trump looks to strengthen ties with the new government under Boris Johnson.
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Bolton is expected to urge British officials to reconsider the UK’s approach to Huawei, arguing that the firm is an extension of the Chinese state and its equipment could be used for spying.
Under former Prime Minister Theresa May the government decided to allow Huawei to participate in part of the country’s 5G network. However, a final decision has not yet been made.
Bolton will also use the meetings to urge the UK to align its policy on Iran more closely with that of Washington, which has threatened increased tariffs on Tehran since Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal.
The UK has so far backed the EU’s policy of honouring the nuclear deal, but the seizure of a British oil tanker in the Gulf last month has put pressure on the government to consider a tougher stance.
Read more: Britain will join US to protect ships from Iranian attack
Brexit will also be a key focus at this week’s talks, with Trump hoping to secure a free trade agreement between the two countries after Brexit.
Bolton is due to meet a string of officials and cabinet ministers, including cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill, chancellor Sajid Javid and defence secretary Ben Wallace.
Main image credit: Getty