Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit referendum

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 12:24 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Russia clearly interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Speaking on the Rest is Politics podcast, he stated that when arriving at Downing Street in the summer, he asked whether Moscow had meddled in the 2016 vote and was given 'the clear answer that yes there was'. He described this as the first time a premier has publicly declared there was foreign influence on the referendum outcome.

Burnham said he believes it is important to put this 'clearly on the record' to help voters in Germany and France understand that some political developments are 'instigated via our enemies', amid the rise of far-right parties in those countries. He raised the issue when meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin this week, noting that 'there is certainly misinformation, disinformation that is emanating from Russia into German politics'.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee found in 2020 that the Government had failed to fully assess the impact Russian state-run media and 'troll' accounts could have had on the EU referendum. Burnham's comments fuel speculation about plans to reverse Brexit, following his conference speech reopening the issue of EU membership and his suggestion of exploring options including committing to rejoin in the next election manifesto.

How it is being reported

• Burnham becomes first PM to confirm Russian interference in Brexit votePrime minister has left the door open to the UK rejoining the EUThe Independent · 11 Oct, 12:45
• Burnham says it is ‘clear’ Russia interfered in Brexit referendumHe said people have not been informed enough of ‘the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas’.Evening Standard · 11 Oct, 12:06
• Andy Burnham says Russia 'clearly' interfered in 2016 Brexit referendum as he gives latest hint at bid to rejoin EUAndy Burnham said he had asked on arriving in Downing Street whether Moscow had meddled in the 2016 contest, and was given the answer 'yes'.Daily Mail · 11 Oct, 09:59

In this story: Andy Burnham · Russia · Friedrich Merz · Germany · UK · European Union

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