UK defence minister denies role in Huawei leak

Gavin Williamson forced out after an investigation into a leak from a National Security Council meeting

Britain's defence secretary Gavin Williamson has been sacked. AFP

Former British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has denied leaking information about Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, after he was fired from his role and accused of revealing the secret details from a National Security Council meeting.

The Daily Telegraph reported last week that Chinese technology company Huawei had been selected by the government to help build the UK's 5G network.

On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said she had "lost confidence" in Mr Williamson's ability to perform as defence minister and a member of her Cabinet.

“The Prime Minister’s decision has been informed by his conduct surrounding an investigation into the circumstances of the unauthorised disclosure of information from a meeting of the National Security Council," a Downing Street spokesman said.

Mr Williamson submitted his resignation letter, in which he denied responsibility for the leak.

He said it was "a great privilege" to serve as defence secretary and chief whip in the government.

"I am sorry that you feel the recent links from the National Security Council originated in my department," Mr Williamson said.

"I emphatically believe this was not the case. I strenuously deny that I was in any way involved in this leak and I am confident that a thorough and formal inquiry would have vindicated my position.

“I appreciate you offering me the option to resign but to resign would have been to accept that I, my civil servants, my military advisers or my staff were responsible. This was not the case.”

He said he shared Mrs May's ambition to restore public confidence in the council.

Mr Williamson was due to meet British soldiers who would be performing Umrah, but he did not appear because of his sacking.

International Development Minister Penny Mordaunt has been promoted to the position of Defence Secretary.

Ms Mordaunt, a Royal Navy reservist, is the first woman to hold the post.

Rory Stewart has been appointed International Development Minister.

The National Security Council meets weekly and includes the Prime Minister, senior ministers and sometimes representatives from the UK's intelligence agencies and armed forces.

It is a forum where highly sensitive information is shared and those attending have to sign the Official Secrets Act.

The government said no official decision has been made on Huawei's involvement in Britain's 5G network.

Mr Williamson was appointed in 2017 after former defence minister Michael Fallon was forced to resign over allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

"The logical conclusion of the prime minister’s allegation [against Mr Williamson] is that there must be a criminal inquiry," said Tom Watson, deputy leader of the Labour party.

"Very high-profile civil servants have gone to jail for breaching the Official Secrets Act."

Mr Watson stressed that Mr Williamson is denying the allegations and "deserves to have his voice heard".

But he said: "If he’s breached the Official Secrets Act, there must be a criminal inquiry and justice should take its course."

Former Tory MP Nick Boles tweeted: "No surprise to learn that Gavin Williamson leaked the Huawei information from the National Security Council. Most Conservative MPs assumed it was him. He had the opportunity, the motive and previous form. He has got the comeuppance he deserved."