Boris Johnson was spotted using a Huawei smartphone during a TV appearance - a day after admitting there are still security concerns about the UK's relationship with the Chinese firm.

The prime minister took a selfie with ITV This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby after he appeared on the programme on Thursday.

Mr Johnson later tweeted the picture, thanking the duo for "a good opportunity to talk more about our exciting vision for the country" as he continues the Conservatives' general election campaign.

Thank you to Phillip and Holly at @thismorning - a good opportunity to talk more about our exciting vision for the country #GetBrexitDone pic.twitter.com/IoFuW1mscO — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 5, 2019

Willoughby said the prime minister reappeared after his interview on the programme and "whipped his phone out" in order to take the selfie.

The phone used by Mr Johnson appears to be a Huawei P20 Pro in a "Twilight" colour.


The Chinese company, on its website, boasts the model is "blazing a trail for smartphone photography".

Downing Street said the phone is not the prime minister's but belongs to a member of his staff.

Mr Johnson's use of the Huawei phone comes in the middle of a debate over whether the firm should be given a role in building the UK's infrastructure for 5G technology.

Critics allege Huawei has close links to the Chinese government and its equipment could be used for espionage purposes - something the company has always denied.

Image: The phone appeared to be a Huawei P20 Pro in 'Twilight'

US President Donald Trump has put trade restrictions on Huawei and previously suggested future intelligence-sharing cooperation with America's "Five Eyes" allies - the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - could be put at risk if the UK grants the Chinese company a 5G role.

The prime minister addressed the issue at the end of this week's NATO summit in London on Wednesday and suggested the UK will comply with the US stance on banning Huawei equipment within the country's 5G network.

He said: "On Huawei and 5G, I don't want this country to be unnecessarily hostile to investment from overseas.

"On the other hand, we cannot prejudice our vital national security interests, nor can we prejudice our ability to co-operate with other Five Eyes security partners, and that will be how - that will be the key criterion that informs our decision about Huawei."

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Huawei remains the subject of a government review into whether it should be allowed into "non-essential" parts of the UK's 5G infrastructure.

A decision is expected after next week's general election.

Mr Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, was reported to have decided to allow Huawei to tender for work on "non-core" elements of the 5G network, against opposition from ministers including Gavin Williamson, who was sacked as defence secretary over the leak.

She left a final decision on the matter to her successor after resigning earlier this year.