Andy Burnham Claims Russia Interfered in 2016 Brexit Vote, Hints at EU Rejoining Bid

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that Russia "clearly" interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, offering what is believed to be the first public declaration by a premier of foreign influence on the decade-old vote. The comments, made during an appearance on the "Rest is Politics" podcast, are likely to intensify speculation about a potential push to reverse Brexit.

Burnham recounted that upon arriving at Downing Street, he inquired about whether Moscow had interfered in the 2016 contest and received an affirmative answer. He also mentioned discussing Russian influence with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a recent visit to Berlin, noting the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation originating from Russia into German politics.

"But I asked the question coming to Downing Street: was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia?" Burnham said on the podcast. "And I've had the clear answer that yes, there was."

He further stated, "I mean, these things are important now to put clearly on the record and help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely Russia." Burnham suggested that the UK had been "too much on the back foot" and that voters had not been "informed sufficiently about the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas."

These remarks follow Burnham's recent Labour conference speech, where he reopened the issue of EU membership, a stance that contrasts with his previous assurances against it before ousting Keir Starmer. He indicated to Europhile party activists a desire to explore "options," including committing to rejoin the EU in the next election manifesto, though he did not specify whether another referendum would be necessary.

Brexiteers have historically downplayed the impact of foreign influence on the referendum's outcome, emphasizing the clarity of the result. Last month, at the UN General Assembly, Burnham broadly addressed Russian meddling, stating, "We have evidence that they tried to interfere with the 2019 general election. We also know that they have tried to stoke tensions and unrest in the wake of horrific events."