UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, warning voters in France and Germany of similar threats. In a recent interview with The Rest Is Politics podcast, Burnham stated, “I asked the question coming to Downing Street: Was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? And I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was.”
This marks the first time a UK prime minister has acknowledged Russian involvement in the referendum, although Burnham did not provide any evidence to support his claim. He emphasised the importance of making this information known, suggesting that it could help voters in Germany and France understand that some political actions are instigated by enemies like Russia.
During a meeting last week in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Burnham discussed potential links between Russia and the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Additionally, in his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September, Burnham condemned Russia’s attempts to influence the UK’s 2019 general election.
A 2020 report by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee highlighted that the UK government had not sought a thorough assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 referendum, although it confirmed Russia’s meddling in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.
Russia has consistently denied any interference in Western democracies, labelling such claims as “anti-Russian hysteria”.
Last month, Burnham suggested the UK should reconsider its relationship with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining the bloc, stating that Brexit had not fulfilled promises of “taking back control” and had weakened the UK economically and in terms of immigration.
