London: Former Tory leader William Hague says Britain should unite with its Five Eyes partners Australia and the United States in banning Huawei from its 5G rollout.

Hague, a former foreign secretary, joins a growing chorus of top-tier Conservatives, including the former defence secretary Michael Fallon, who want the British government to align with Australia and the US.

Former Tory leader William Hague (right) with former Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer. Credit:Helen Jones

It remains unclear when the British government, which is in the throes of the Tory leadership campaign, will announce whether or not it will allow the Chinese supplier to be involved.

A preliminary decision, taken by the National Security Council which was split on the issue, advocated a limited Huawei role. But the decision, which was sensationally leaked, has sparked a fierce backlash within the Conservative party, with key MPs now urging the decision be left to Theresa May's successor – likely to be the former London mayor and former foreign secretary Boris Johnson.