Russia did try to interfere in Brexit referendum, head of MI5 confirms
MI5 chief Ken McCallum confirmed that Russia attempted to interfere in the 2016 Brexit referendum using social media trolls and state-backed media outlets. However, he noted that these efforts were neither sophisticated nor successful in impacting the final result.
Why it matters
It provides official intelligence confirmation of long-standing allegations regarding foreign influence in democratic processes.
Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, speaks at Thames House in London, 13 October 2026. Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, speaks at Thames House in London, 13 October 2026. Brexit Russia did try to interfere in Brexit referendum, head of MI5 confirms Spy chief Ken McCallum said Kremlin had attempted to influence 2016 vote through social media and TV reports
Prefer the Guardian on Google Russia did try to interfere in the Brexit referendum through social media and television reports, the head of MI5 said on Tuesday, but he added that did not mean the Kremlin had any impact on the result.
Ken McCallum endorsed comments made by Andy Burnham , who raised the issue over the past two days, though he said continuing to debate it had given the Kremlin a needless propaganda victory.
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
UK's Burnham accuses Russia of meddling in Brexit vote
PM says it is 'clear' Russia interfered with Brexit vote
PM says it is 'clear' Russia interfered with Brexit referendum
U.K. PM Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
UK prime minister say it is ‘clear’ Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit referendum - AP News
UK's Andy Burnham Claims Russian Interference In 2016 Brexit Vote
UK PM says Russia interfered in Brexit vote, warns Europe faces same threat
UK PM Andy Burnham says it is ‘clear’ Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote - Al Jazeera
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