British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated in an interview released October 11 that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, marking the first time a sitting UK prime minister has publicly acknowledged such interference. Burnham made the claim during an appearance on The Rest Is Politics podcast, asserting that he received confirmation upon taking office in July that foreign interference occurred. He did not provide specific details about the nature or extent of the interference.
Burnham’s remarks come as he urges voters in France and Germany to remain vigilant against what he describes as Moscow-backed efforts to disrupt European politics. He emphasized the need for greater transparency, stating that voters in these countries should be aware of external attempts to influence their political processes. Burnham also discussed the issue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a visit to Berlin this week, highlighting concerns about disinformation originating from Russia.
The UK government has not previously established a definitive link between Russia and the 2016 referendum outcome. A 2020 report by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee concluded that while Russia sought to influence UK politics, there was no conclusive evidence proving its impact on the Brexit vote. The report noted that Moscow’s activities included attempts to amplify divisions within British society but did not confirm a direct causal link to the referendum result.
Burnham’s predecessor, Boris Johnson, had stated in 2020 that there was no evidence of Russian interference in the Brexit vote. The current prime minister’s comments represent a shift in the UK government’s stance, though Burnham did not elaborate on the evidence supporting his claim. The Russian embassy in London has not responded to requests for comment.
Burnham’s remarks also coincide with broader discussions within the UK about the country’s relationship with the European Union. During his recent Labour Party conference speech, he suggested exploring options for the UK to rejoin the EU, though he did not specify whether this would require another referendum. His comments on Russian interference were framed as part of a wider warning about external threats to democratic processes across Europe.