LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that it is "clear" Russia interfered in the United Kingdom's 2016 referendum to leave the European Union. Burnham emphasized the importance of documenting such actions by Moscow, suggesting that other European nations face similar threats.
In excerpts from "The Rest is Politics" podcast released Sunday, Burnham indicated that upon assuming the prime ministership in July, he inquired about potential Russian interference in the 2016 vote. The full podcast is scheduled for release on Monday.
"I've had the clear answer that yes, there was," Burnham said. "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."
Russia has consistently denied allegations of meddling in the electoral processes of other countries.
Burnham's remarks coincide with warnings from U.K. intelligence agencies regarding the escalating threat of Russian interference in British democratic institutions. This public acknowledgment by a British prime minister of Russian interference in the Brexit vote is believed to be unprecedented.
Burnham also mentioned discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about potential links between Russia and the far-right Alternative for Germany party during a meeting in Berlin last week. "You know he was saying to me that the AfD are clearly linked to Russia, funded I believe," Burnham stated. "There is certainly misinformation, disinformation that is emanating from Russia into German politics."
A 2020 report by Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee found that the government had not fully assessed the potential impact of Russian state-run media and online disinformation campaigns on the EU referendum.