Burnham says Russia meddled in Brexit referendum
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it is clear that Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union, the first time a British prime minister has publicly acknowledged such interference. He warned voters in France and Germany about similar risks and said he discussed possible ties between Russia and Germany's far-right AfD with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Burnham did not provide evidence, and Russia has repeatedly denied meddling in Western elections and referendums.
Burnham made the remarks in an interview released Sunday on The Rest Is Politics podcast. He also said he raised possible Russian links to Germany’s AfD with Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a Berlin meeting. No supporting evidence or specifics were offered, and Moscow has consistently rejected claims that it meddles in other countries’ votes.
Earlier, a 2020 parliamentary intelligence committee report found the UK had not sought a deep review of possible Russian activity in the 2016 EU referendum, though it did conclude Russia had interfered in Scotland’s 2014 independence vote. Burnham also told the UN General Assembly in September that Russia tried to interfere in the UK’s 2019 general election.
The claim could intensify public debate in the UK about Brexit’s legitimacy and election security, affecting voters, parties and institutions. It may also shape discussions in France and Germany, especially regarding far-right parties and foreign influence. Because no evidence was presented and Russia denies involvement, the immediate impact may depend on whether further documentation emerges; meanwhile, it could deepen distrust in political institutions or prompt calls for stronger safeguards.