The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) reported in June 2013 on Foreign Investment in Critical National Infrastructure. The ISC raised concerns about the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre (HCSEC) and recommended that the National Security Adviser undertake “a substantive review of the effectiveness of HCSEC as a matter of urgency”.
The government responded in July to the ISC report, agreeing that a review would be carried out. This has now been completed and shared with the Chair of the ISC. An executive summary of the review has been published: copies of this have been placed in the libraries of both Houses. The government’s main conclusion, which reflects discussion with the Chairman of the ISC, is that oversight of HCSEC should be enhanced, and that GCHQ should take a leading and directing role in its future senior appointments.