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Planning committee was 'censored' during debate over £1bn Huawei lab, local councillor claims

An illustration of part of Huawei's planned Cambridgeshire research site - Huawei
An illustration of part of Huawei's planned Cambridgeshire research site - Huawei

The controversial Chinese technology giant Huawei won approval for a £1bn research lab near Cambridge after the local authority “censored” discussion of national security, a member of the planning committee has claimed.

Deborah Roberts, the only councillor who voted against Huawei’s plans, said South Cambridgeshire District Council’s refusal to allow the planning committee to discuss national security concerns was a form of censorship.

Members of the planning committee were told that there was “considerable local, national and international interest” in the application, and were told not to base their decision on political or security concerns. Ms Roberts said: “We were absolutely censored.”

US politicians, including secretary of state Mike Pompeo and Woody Johnson, its the US ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, were reported to have raised concerns about Huawei’s plans for the 550-acre site, which it will turn into a 400-person research lab.

Ms Roberts said she was “horrified” that the decision on Huawei’s plans “was given to the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker” rather than considered by security officials. The approval of the Huawei’s plans was made despite campaigning against the application.

Neil O’Brien, a Conservative MP who co-founded the China Research Group, urged the Government to delay the decision until after the publication of a review by the National Cyber Security Centre into the effects of US sanctions on Huawei.

A spokesman for South Cambridgeshire District Council said: “It was important that members focused solely on national and local planning rules, and their decision was based upon these considerations alone.”