Burnham Admits No Evidence of Russian Interference in Brexit Vote Amidst Political Backlash

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has conceded he has no evidence that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, an admission that follows a U-turn on claims he made just 24 hours prior.

The Prime Minister's initial assertion, made on a podcast, suggested Russian interference had occurred. This prompted swift criticism, with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson stating in the Daily Mail that "Burnham's Brexit lies have come back to bite him." Nigel Farage also branded Burnham's comments "outrageous."

Downing Street was compelled to clarify that the Prime Minister accepts the referendum result was "legitimate." In Parliament, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Burnham to provide evidence for his claims, noting that the head of MI5 had stated in 2018 that there was no evidence of Russian influence on the EU referendum result. Badenoch further criticized Burnham, stating, "The busiest job in Westminster is running after the PM with a dustpan and brush, sweeping up whatever he said five minutes earlier."

Ministers in successive governments have consistently denied theories of Russian involvement in the Brexit result. A 2020 report by the Commons intelligence and security committee found no evidence of successful interference, and security minister Dan Jarvis reiterated in January of this year that "Successive governments have not seen any evidence of successful foreign interference in the European Union referendum."

Boris Johnson accused Burnham of a "cynical ploy" to appeal to pro-EU voters, asserting that Burnham's claims were "just not true." Johnson stated that security services had assured him in government that Russia had not successfully interfered in the Brexit result. Meanwhile, Farage criticized Burnham, saying, "The Prime Minister is a liar. Yes, a liar." He recalled that Johnson himself had inquired about Russian interference when he became foreign secretary and was told there was none.

Burnham's remarks follow earlier comments where he suggested Brexit had been driven by "outside forces" attempting to "manipulate opinion." Speaking to reporters while traveling to New York, he alluded to an "insidious campaign" by Russia that manipulates information and sows division.

Despite the controversy, the Prime Minister affirmed his commitment to pursuing a closer relationship with the European Union, arguing that the status quo is "not good enough for Britain." He indicated a potential return to free movement with the EU after the next election, stating it would be a "dereliction of duty" to ignore opportunities for closer ties. However, he committed to respecting Labour's existing red lines regarding the single market, customs union, and free movement during the current parliamentary term.

Burnham plans to discuss options for a closer relationship with Europe at a summit in Brussels on November 20. He has previously suggested this could involve rejoining the EU. He stated that the public mood on Brexit has shifted since 2016 but indicated that no referendum is currently proposed for any new deal. In response, a Tory frontbencher suggested the Prime Minister was "laying the groundwork for rejoining [the EU] by casting doubt on the result."