PM says it is 'clear' Russia interfered with Brexit referendum
The UK Prime Minister has confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, citing clear evidence of foreign efforts to disrupt the political process. The government is now emphasizing the need to inform the public about such threats, noting similar patterns of misinformation in Germany and France.
Why it matters
This official acknowledgment marks a significant shift in UK government transparency regarding foreign influence in democratic elections and highlights ongoing concerns about geopolitical stability in Europe.
Figure caption, Watch: PM says there is 'clear' evidence of Russian interference in 2016 Brexit campaign
Andy Burnham has said Russia did interfere with the Brexit referendum and warned that similar activities were taking place in France and Germany.
The prime minister told The Rest is Politics podcast , external that upon arriving in No 10, he had asked about possible Russian interference in the 2016 vote, adding: "I've had the clear answer that, yes, there was."
"I think we've been too much on the back foot on that actually and we haven't informed people sufficiently about the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas," he added.
Burnham did not provide further details about the type or extent of Moscow's activity during the Brexit referendum.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
PM says it is 'clear' Russia interfered with Brexit vote
Andy Burnham says it is clear Russia interfered in Brexit vote
UK's Andy Burnham Claims Russian Interference In 2016 Brexit Vote
UK PM says Russia interfered in Brexit vote, warns Europe faces same threat
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