AMN /LONDON
British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday dismissed Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson over a leak of information about Chinese telecom giant Huawei.
A spokeswoman from the Downing Street office in London said, Ms May has asked Mr Williamson to leave the government, having lost confidence in his ability to serve in the role of Defence Secretary and as a member of her Cabinet.
May says an investigation provided compelling evidence that Williamson was responsible for the unauthorized disclosure from a National Security Council meeting. The prime minister said she can no longer have full confidence in him.
Williamson has denied he was in any way involved in the leak.
The UK government launched an investigation after media outlets reported last month that Britain would allow Huawei to participate in some aspects of the country’s 5G network.
The United States has been calling on allies including Britain to exclude the products of Chinese firms like Huawei from 5G networks, citing security concerns.
Some observers say the dismissal of the defense secretary is a further blow to May’s leadership, amid ongoing confusion over her country’s projected exit from the European Union.
Britain’s government was rocked by the scandal over who leaked the news that Ms May was to let Huawei develop Britain’s 5G network.
The US is opposed to Huawei’s involvement because of the firm’s obligation under Chinese law to help its home government gather intelligence or provide other security services when required.
Mr Williamson has denied leaking the information.
Responding in a letter to the Prime Minister, he said he was confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated his position.