The Huawei 5G decision will have global repercussions in the world of intelligence

The move by Boris Johnson is a test for the special relationship – but goes much further than that, writes defence editor Kim Sengupta

Huawei is in talks about a role in building the UK’s 5G network (Reuters)

The first real test of the renewed special relationship between Britain and the US has ended in accusations and recriminations, with warnings from Washington that trade deals and intelligence-sharing are in danger of being jeopardised.

The announcement that the Chinese company Huawei will be allowed into the UK’s 5G network, despite intense and sustained efforts to block it by the US, is a significant blow to the extra-special rapport which was supposed to blossom between the Trump administration and Boris Johnson’s government.

There was flickering hope among Whitehall officials that Trump, who is in the habit of declaring diplomatic victories where none may exist, will be satisfied with claiming that the restriction of Huawei to the “non-core fringe”, and capping its market share to 35 per cent of the UK 5G network, was the result of his tough messages to Johnson.