UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that it is "clear" that Russia interfered in the country’s 2016 Brexit vote, marking the first time a UK prime minister has publicly acknowledged such interference. In an interview with The Rest Is Politics podcast released on Sunday, Burnham said, "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." He did not provide evidence or details to support this claim.
Burnham emphasized the importance of making this information clear, suggesting it could help voters in Germany and France understand that some political dynamics may be influenced by Russia. He mentioned discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding potential links between Russia and the far-right Alternative for Germany party during their meeting in Berlin last week.
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September, Burnham condemned Russia’s attempts to interfere in the UK’s 2019 general election. A 2020 report by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee indicated that the UK government had not requested a thorough assessment of Russia’s interference in the 2016 referendum, although it confirmed Russian meddling in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.
Russia has consistently denied allegations of meddling in Western democracies, describing the UK as experiencing "anti-Russian hysteria." Last month, Burnham suggested that the UK should reconsider its relationship with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining, stating that the departure from the bloc has not met the promises made by Brexit supporters and has instead weakened the UK economically and in terms of immigration.