UK PM Andy Burnham says it is ‘clear’ Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote - Al Jazeera
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. This marks the first time a sitting UK leader has acknowledged such interference, which Burnham warns is a continuing threat to European democracies.
Why it matters
The admission confirms long-standing suspicions regarding foreign influence in major Western political events and highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The claim marks the first time a UK prime minister has publicly acknowledged Russia’s interference in the vote to leave the EU.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes part in a business forum at the Chancellery in Berlin on October 8, 2026 [Tobias Schwarz/AFP] By AP and Reuters Published On 12 Oct 2026 12 Oct 2026 UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said it is “clear” that Russia interfered in the country’s 2016 Brexit vote, warning French and German voters of the same threat.
“I asked the question coming to Downing Street: Was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? And I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was,” Burnham said in an interview with The Rest Is Politics podcast released on Sunday.
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
Andy Burnham says it is clear Russia interfered in 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
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in