The Chinese electronics firm is at the centre of a row over potential state-sponsored hacking

A GCHQ chief has hit back against a senior US official over the claim that Huawei technology in Britain’s 5G network would threaten the security of intelligence shared by allies.

Robert Strayer, the top cybersecurity official at the State Department, warned the UK in April that Washington viewed the Chinese telecoms giant as a risk and expected allies to ban it from mobile phone network upgrades.

A move to press ahead with Huawei in Britain’s 5G network would force the US to reassess its “ability to share information and be connected” in the same way as at present, he said, stressing that economic and military co-operation could also be harmed.

This week Mr Strayer ratcheted up pressure on London, disputing the approach Theresa May was