Burnham Says Russia Interfered in Brexit Vote

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Russia interfered in Britain’s 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union, marking what is believed to be the first public acknowledgment of such interference by a British leader.

Burnham made the statement after asking advisers about possible Russian involvement when he took office in July. He said the issue should be placed on record as concerns grow over foreign interference in democratic systems.

"I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was," said Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister.

Burnham said the issue was relevant to voters in Germany and France as officials examine foreign influence in politics. Moscow has repeatedly denied interfering in elections or referendums in other countries.

"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," said Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister.

UK intelligence agencies have warned of increasing threats from Russian interference in democratic institutions. According to a 2020 parliamentary committee report, the government had not fully assessed the possible impact of Russian state media and troll accounts on the referendum.

During talks in Berlin last week, Burnham also discussed alleged links between Russia and Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"You know he was saying to me that the AfD are clearly linked to Russia, funded I believe," said Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister.

Burnham attributed the comments about the AfD to his conversation with Merz. He also said misinformation and disinformation from Russia were affecting German politics.

"There is certainly misinformation, disinformation that is emanating from Russia into German politics," said Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister.

Separately, Burnham is facing questions in the UK over his links to Manchester City, the Gulf state-backed Premier League club that was found guilty last month of widespread financial rule breaches.

Labour MPs accepted around €325,500 in hospitality and foreign trips from the United Arab Emirates, according to official records analyzed by The Sun. Burnham agreed to publish details of his meetings with the club’s owners.

Burnham said he had held one significant meeting with the owners in 2021. He said football-related matters were subject to an independent process and should remain separate from investment discussions.