WILL the Tories really try and trim Chinese influence in Britain? I think the government is really, genuinely worried about Chinese corporations having a major role in country’s “critical infrastructure” like nuclear power or 5G mobile networks.

It’s not because they are worried about “human rights” in China or anything, it’s because they have become nervous that China has become a powerful economic and political rival. However, I am sceptical they will do much, because that would mean that firstly they would have to invest in British nuclear and 5G technology themselves — and secondly, they would have to turn down Chinese corporate cash.

The Daily Mirror recently reported that Hawthorn, a lobbying company with close Tory links, is now working to persuade MPs not to be mean to Huawei, the Chinese corporation with a role in rolling out 5G: the Register of Lobbyists confirms Hawthorn were hired by Huawei.

Hawthorn was founded by Ben Elliott, who is co-chair of the Tories. Elliott was a co-chair of the Hawthorn until April this year. Gutto Harri, who was Boris Johnson’s director of communications when Boris was London mayor, 2008-12, works as a “senior adviser” to Hawthorn.

Poppy Trowbridge, formerly Tory chancellor Phil Hammond’s special adviser, is now also a Hawthorn special adviser. I think this shows that the Tories would like to push Chinese corporations away, but they won’t because their circles are just too easily won over with a bit of corporate lobbying lucre.