Boris Johnson hints at compromise over Huawei and 5G

PM says solution will allow technological progress but not jeopardise US relationship

Boris Johnson has signalled that he wants Huawei to be deployed in British 5G mobile networks in defiance of US objections and widespread concern from party colleagues that doing so would create a long-term surveillance risk.

The prime minister said he would unveil a compromise plan to restrict the Chinese company's role in 5G, although it has to be accepted by senior cabinet ministers at a crunch meeting of the national security council (NSC) on Tuesday.