Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister of the UK, stated that Vladimir Putin has exploited Brexit to create division within the country. In a speech delivered at the United Nations in New York, Burnham remarked that the UK has faced an 'industrial scale assault by hostile actors' aimed at undermining the nation since its departure from the EU. He suggested that unnamed 'outside actors' manipulated public opinion during the 2016 Brexit referendum. In his speech on Tuesday, he indicated that the situation has deteriorated since Brexit, identifying Russia as the primary instigator.
Downing Street announced the establishment of a new National Centre for Information Defence, referred to as the 'Ministry of Truth', which aims to detect and disrupt 'hostile state information attacks'. Burnham hinted at a potential commitment from the Labour Party to rejoin the EU in its next manifesto. He expressed a desire to move beyond what he described as a 'corrosive' decade since Brexit, stating, 'It is now ten years since Brexit, my country has lived through the destruction, and it has given us a unique perspective that I want to share with you today.'
In his address, Burnham noted, 'In recent years we have seen an industrial-scale assault by hostile actors on the information environment in the UK and many of our allies. Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people's fears.' He acknowledged that this is a shared challenge and emphasized the UK's experience in addressing such issues.
Burnham claimed that hostile agencies have 'amplified far right narratives' and attempted to interfere with the 2019 General Election. He cited that the Kremlin spends £1.3 billion annually on manipulating information. The new disinformation unit will collaborate with intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and social media companies to enhance local community cohesion and counteract distorted narratives about Britain.
He stated, 'We will not play Russia's game of trading escalatory rhetoric,' and added, 'Instead, we will be prepared but not panic. Clear-eyed but cool-headed and unflinching in defending our people and our allies.' While hardline Remain campaigners have long alleged Russian influence in the Brexit referendum, they have not provided conclusive evidence. Burnham's revival of this claim may suggest a strategy to prepare the public for a significant push to reverse Brexit. The Prime Minister has indicated that he will maintain the Brexit red lines in Labour's manifesto, which include no return to the single market or free movement, but expressed hope that Britain will rejoin the EU in his lifetime. When asked about pledging to rejoin in Labour's next manifesto, he stated that it is a question for 'another day.'