Market Harborough: Council reviews CCTV use over China government links

A council is reviewing the CCTV system it uses in two Leicestershire towns over concerns it was made by a firm with links to the Chinese government.

Harborough District Council uses cameras made by Chinese firm Hikvision in Market Harborough and Lutterworth.

However, a councillor has called for the cameras to be replaced over "security" concerns.

Hikvision said its products were "demonstrably not a national security threat".

District councillor Simon Whelband told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the company had previously been accused of "aiding the oppression of Tibetans and Uyghur Muslims".

Mr Whelband is urging the the council to follow the lead of other authorities which have agreed to phase out Hikvision cameras.

He cited a 2021 House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee report which said "equipment manufactured by companies such as Hikvision should not be permitted to operate within the UK".

Mr Whelband said: "I have written to the council's chief executive about their use of Hikvision cameras urging them to replace the technology as soon as possible. Hikvision is one of several companies that have been linked to the creation of a surveillance state in Tibet.

"Their cameras have also been used in Uyghur internment camps in Xinjiang."

"There are also security concerns," he added.

"The US government has banned the use of Hikvision cameras, and the UK government is advising against their use, so they shouldn't be used in our district.

"Several councils have replaced their Hikvision cameras, most notably Kent County Council which announced they would get rid of their Hikvision cameras earlier this year. It's time for Harborough District Council to do the same."

The council spokesperson added: "We are in the early stages of gathering information to inform our review. Whilst this is progressed, we do not consider the immediate removal of community safety street cameras in Market Harborough and Lutterworth necessary, especially as that could lead to risks for residents if there is no operating surveillance cameras."

Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns, the current chair of the foreign affairs select committee, backed the call to remove the cameras.

In a post on social media this week, she said: "We don't want Hikvision on our high streets and in our communities. No local authorities should be buying Hikvision."

Last month cabinet minister Baroness Neville-Rolfe told the House of Lords: "While local authorities may choose to follow the lead of central government in removing surveillance equipment they are under no obligation to do so."

The BBC understands Hickvision has contacted Harborough District Council about the review.

A company spokesperson said: "As the UK Government has made clear, Hikvision's equipment is not banned from wider public settings and can continue to be used and purchased by local councils, private individuals and businesses. We welcome this decision which we believe recognises the safety, integrity and quality of our technology.

"Hikvision has always been clear that the company and our products can be of great benefit to the UK and are demonstrably not a national security threat.

"The company is committed to upholding the highest industry standards and we take all reports regarding human rights very seriously."

The firm said its products are subject to strict security requirements and compliant with UK laws and regulations.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.