With the announcement that Huawei equipment is to be removed from the UK’s 5G networks by 2027, questions have been raised over just how much of a threat the Chinese telecoms behemoth poses to the integrity of the nation’s cybersecurity.

The news of a ban signifies a U-turn by Boris Johnson and his government which said in January that Huawei would be allowed to play a “limited role” in the UK’s 5G infrastructure.

Oliver Dowden, the UK culture secretary, said that no new Huawei 5G equipment can be bought after 31 December this year, but older 2G, 3G, and 4G can stay in place until it is no longer needed.