New Delhi: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Russia interfered in the United Kingdom’s 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union (EU), marking
the first time a British prime minister has publicly acknowledged Russian interference in the vote.
Speaking in an interview with The Rest Is Politics podcast, Burnham said he sought answers about Moscow’s role after taking office in July. “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 said.
However, Burnham did not reveal who provided the assessment, what evidence supported it or how Russia allegedly interfered in the referendum. He also did not establish whether any such interference affected the outcome.
The British leader’s remarks come amid growing concerns in Europe about foreign interference in democratic processes and the spread of misinformation. Burnham urged voters in France and Germany to be aware of what he described as Russian-backed efforts to influence their countries’ politics.
Burnham warns France, Germany
Burnham said greater transparency was needed about attempts by foreign powers to disrupt democratic processes, arguing that the public had not been sufficiently informed about the scale of the threat.
“These things are important now to put clearly on the record, and I believe, help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely Russia,” he said.
During a visit to Berlin last week, Burnham also discussed the issue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He said their conversation included concerns about the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and its alleged links to Moscow.
Burnham said Russia was spreading misinformation and disinformation within German politics. These claims come as European governments face questions about foreign influence and the role of online information campaigns in shaping public opinion.
Russia has repeatedly denied interfering in Western democratic processes. The Russian embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Burnham’s latest remarks, according to Reuters.
What the 2020 UK intelligence report said
The comments revive questions about the extent of Russian activity during the Brexit referendum, in which British voters chose to leave the EU by 52 per cent to 48 per cent in June 2016.
A 2020 report by the UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee criticised the government for failing to properly investigate possible Russian interference in the referendum. It said ministers had not sought a full assessment of Moscow’s activities and that the government had failed to establish whether Russia had meddled in the vote.
The report also found that Russia had sought to influence Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum, in which voters rejected independence.
Burnham’s statement contrasts with former prime minister Boris Johnson’s position in 2020, when he said there was no evidence of Russian interference in the Brexit referendum.
The latest remarks also come as Burnham has opened the door to the possibility of Britain rejoining the EU in the future, saying last month that the country could consider its options ahead of the next general election.
