Gavin Williamson blasts Theresa May after 'shabby witch hunt' into Huawei leak that got him fired

Gavin Williamson was fired as defence secretary after an investigation into a leak
PA
Jacob Jarvis4 May 2019
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Gavin Williamson branded the enquiry into a leak that led to his firing "shabby" and a "witch hunt" as he criticised the PM's handling of the situation.

His comments come after Scotland Yard deemed the disclosure of information from the National Security Council meeting was not sufficiently serious to warrant a criminal investigation.

In a new statement, former defence secretary Mr Williamson said: "With the Metropolitan Police not willing to do an criminal investigation it is clear a proper, full and impartial investigation needs to be conducted on this shabby and discredited witch hunt that has been so badly mishandled by both the Prime Minister and Mark​ Sedwill."

Mr Williamson was fired earlier this week after being linked to the leak of information regarding Huawei's potential involvement in building the UK's 5G infrastructure.

Signage at the Huawei offices in Britain
REUTERS

Reports last month suggested Theresa May had cleared Huawei to be involved in "non-core" elements of the 5G network, such as antennae.

According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, the PM overruled five ministers who expressed concern the company's involvement might provide a route for Chinese spying.

They also said it could undermine allies' confidence in the security of UK communications.

Prime Minister Theresa May previously insisted sacking Gavin Williamson was the right decision
Getty Images

Gavin Williamson was later sacked as defence secretary and the PM said there was "compelling evidence" he was behind the leak.

He strenuously denies any involvement in the information being shared.

Earlier on Saturday, the Met Police's assistant commissioner Neil Basu said he had spoken to the Cabinet Office regarding the nature of the material discussed in the meeting.

However, he was "satisfied" that the details disclosed to the media did not "contain information that would breach the Official Secrets Act".

He said: "I have considered all the information available to me and I have taken legal advice.

"I am satisfied that the disclosure did not amount to a criminal offence, either under the Official Secrets Act or Misconduct in a Public Office. No crime has been committed and this is not a matter for the police."

Mr Williamson previously said he would welcome a police probe, believing it would "absolutely exonerate" him.

Theresa May previously said firing Mr Williamson had been the right decision.

Mrs May told ITV News: "I did take a difficult decision.

"This was not about what was leaked, it was about where it was leaked from. It was the importance of the question of trust around that National Security Council table."

Asked if she was convinced Mr Williamson was responsible for the leak, Mrs May said: "I took the decision that I did. That was the right decision."

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