Burnham Says Russia Meddled in 2016 Brexit Referendum, Warns France and Germany

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, making him the first UK prime minister to openly state there was evidence of it. He told The Rest Is Politics podcast that he asked the question upon entering Downing Street and got a clear answer: yes. Burnham did not explain how Russia allegedly interfered or what evidence supports the claim. The Russian embassy in London did not immediately comment, and Moscow has previously denied meddling, describing Britain as caught in anti Russian hysteria.

How Burnham’s Claim Differs From Past Statements

His remarks break with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who backed leaving the EU and said in 2020 there was no evidence of Russian interference. A 2020 report by parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee said the government never established whether Russia meddled in the vote, though it found Russia tried to influence Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum.

Warning to French and German Voters

Burnham said voters in European democracies need better information about attempts to disrupt their politics. He argued that putting this on the record could help people in Germany and France see that some of this activity is driven by Russia, which he called an enemy.

Burnham took office in July and said last month Britain could consider rejoining the EU, even campaigning on it at the next general election. Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave in 2016.