NEW: @SMcDonaldFCO says he thinks #COVID19 is a "watershed moment for the whole world", he's giving evidence to Foreign Affairs Committee
On future relations with China: the permanent secretary at @foreignoffice says for the UK China "is our partner, we are close to them but we do not want to be dependent on them"
BREAKING: Top civil servant at @foreignoffice says "as far as I am aware" there has been no change in UK policy to allow @Huawei to be part of #5G network. @SMcDonaldFCO calls it a "firm decision" when asked by an MP whether the policy has changed post outbreak of #COVID19
NOTEWORTHY: @SMcDonaldFCO signals UK might not believe everything coming out of China on #COVID19. Asked by an MP if he thinks China has told the world the truth about #coronavirus, the PUS at @foreignoffice says: "I think the full story is still emerging."
BREAKING: UK decision not to participate in EU procurement of medical kit & ventilators was a "political decision", @SMcDonaldFCO says. "It was a political decision. The mission... in Brussels briefed ministers about what was available, what was on offer & the decision is known"
BREAKING: @SMcDonaldFCO raises"theoretical possibility" of #Brexit transition period (due to end 31/12) being extended. He says to extend or not will be 1 of 1st decisions @BorisJohnson must make when he returns to work (but he adds he doesn't expect @10DowningStreet to extend)
These are @SMcDonaldFCO exact quotes when asked by an @StewartMcDonald if @foreignoffice will be advising an extension to transition period: "That's clearly an option & clearly being debated in the public press but the government’s attachment to that deadline is equally clear. 1/
"I think there are several ways through. One is sticking with the deadline & getting as much as you can before that deadline & having a satisfactory process agreed to deal with what is not possible to deal with by 31 December or we could go for an extension. 2/
"This is something "the government needs to consider in the next weeks. I know the prime minister is hors de combat (out of action) but he will come back and this will be one of the first things he will have to decide. 3/
Challenged on how an extension would require legislation, @SMcDonaldFCO says: "I was setting out the theoretical possibilities. They are the theoretical possibilities.
The government has made its view plain. I believe the prime minister will confirm the existing timetable" 4/4
The government has made its view plain. I believe the prime minister will confirm the existing timetable" 4/4
