British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that it is clear Russia interfered in the United Kingdom’s 2016 Brexit referendum, renewing allegations of Moscow’s involvement in the divisive vote. Burnham, who took office in July, said he sought confirmation regarding Russian interference upon assuming his role and received an unequivocal answer affirming such meddling.
Speaking on the Rest is Politics podcast on Monday, Burnham emphasized that the answer he received confirmed Russian interference in the referendum, which saw Britons narrowly vote to leave the European Union. This claim marks a shift from previous parliamentary findings; a UK committee in 2020 reported it could not confirm Russian involvement but criticized then-ruling Conservatives for not thoroughly investigating the possibility.
Adding to the discourse, junior foreign minister Stephen Doughty told LBC radio on Monday that Russia had “attempted” to interfere in the referendum but had ultimately “not succeeded.” Burnham also highlighted concerns about Russian influence beyond the UK, citing a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to Burnham, Merz warned that Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is “clearly linked to Russia” and believed to receive Russian funding. Burnham suggested that misinformation and disinformation campaigns from Russia are impacting German politics and called for greater efforts within Britain to help voters in Germany and France recognize such external influences.
In addition to Brexit-related concerns, Burnham referenced evidence his government has regarding attempts by Moscow to interfere in the 2019 UK general election. In response to these threats, he announced plans to establish a new disinformation center aimed at combating “hostile state information attacks.”
On the domestic front, Burnham is set to address Parliament later Monday to urge lawmakers to pursue a new deal and closer relationship with the European Union, effectively reopening the fraught Brexit discussion. His office stated that Burnham views it as a “dereliction of duty” not to explore the possibility of renewed cooperation with the EU. The prime minister is expected to argue that Brexit has caused more harm than benefit and that the current arrangement is insufficient for Britain’s future.
Burnham’s remarks signal a renewed focus on both foreign interference in British politics and the ongoing debate over the country’s post-Brexit trajectory.