UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed on Sunday that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, marking the first time a British leader has publicly acknowledged such meddling. In an interview with *The Rest Is Politics* podcast, Burnham said he had asked officials upon entering 10 Downing Street whether Moscow interfered in the vote and received “the clear answer that yes, there was.” He did not provide details on the nature of the interference or evidence supporting the claim .
Burnham emphasized the need to “put this clearly on the record,” stating it would help voters in Germany and France understand that some political developments are “instigated via our enemies, namely Russia” . He discussed the issue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a visit to Berlin last week, noting that Russian disinformation also targets German politics .
Russia has repeatedly denied interfering in Western elections, dismissing such claims as “anti-Russian hysteria” . A 2020 UK parliamentary report confirmed Russian meddling in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum but noted the government had not sought a full assessment of interference in the 2016 Brexit vote . Burnham, who took office in July, has previously called Brexit a “catastrophic mistake” and left open the possibility of rejoining the EU .
