Talking Huawei, award-winning London startups and Women around the world

UK Government to drop 5G Huawei’s agreement by 2023

A group of around 40 MPs are pressuring Boris Johnson to rethink the controversial decision to allow the Chinese firm Huawei to supply more than a third of the UK’s 5G network equipment. The government may reduce Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s 5G infrastructure from 35% to zero by 2023.

The reason for this decision is that the government thinks Britain’s technology could be exploited for mass surveillance by the Chinese state due to a lack of data security in its agreement.

Additionally, a debate will occur next Wednesday at Westminster Hall as Bob Seely, the Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, asked BT to investigate whether using Huawei complied with modern-slavery laws. This investigation follows allegations that some of the Huawei’s subcontractors involved forced labour from China’s Muslim minority. A study “Uyghurs For Sale” conducted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute concluded that Uyghurs are working in the supply chain of Huawei and other global brands “under conditions that strongly suggest forced labour”.

London’s award winning startups

Earlier this week, the London Business Awards 2020 celebrated the startups from the London business ecosystem. Organised by London & Partners, the ceremony took place at East Wintergarden in the heart of Canary Wharf.

The awards were an opportunity to shine a light on the successes of London businesses and showcase the work of both international companies operating in London as well as homegrown companies who have experienced growth via the Business Growth Programme and the Mayor’s International Business Programme.

Deputy Mayor of London Rajesh Agrawal, who was in attendance, emphasised that London is very much open for business despite the uncertain political and geopolitical climate.

“London is the most entrepreneurial city in the world. Brexit will NOT change that. London is proud of its history and has great diversity. As an entrepreneur myself, I understand the challenges of startup founders. The Business Growth Program helps companies from financing to product launch and gives entrepreneurs access to many key markets.” – Deputy Mayor of London, Rajesh Agrawal

Presented at the World Economic Forum, the core message behind the #EachForEqual campaign for this year’s International Women’s Day  highlights that gender inequality is an economic issue. Amongst others, the campaign focuses on key areas such as business boardrooms, government departments and media coverage to spread the word. The campaign is hoping to make a change by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness of bias and calling out inequality.

What is Women’s Day? The United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day during International Women’s Year in 1975. By 1977, the UN and its member states agreed that the 8th March would be an official day for women’s rights and world peace, a date that is now observed all over the world.

The #EachForEqual campaign has become a symbol of the movement, which extends far beyond one single day in March, with activities running throughout the year. The idea is to reinforce and encourage collective action, holding events and talks that urge us all to share responsibility and change mentalities.