UK PM Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has asserted that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit vote, marking a shift from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's stance of denying any evidence of Russian involvement. Burnham, who assumed leadership of Britain in July, stated in an interview that he was told with certainty that Russia indeed interfered in the referendum.

He did not elaborate on the specifics of the alleged interference or the evidence supporting his claim. The Russian embassy in London declined to comment on the matter. Russia has consistently denied meddling in the Brexit vote, characterizing Britain as being in a state of anti-Russian hysteria. Burnham's remarks contrast with Johnson's 2020 assertion that there was no evidence of Russian interference in the referendum.

The 2016 Brexit vote saw Britons choose to leave the European Union by a 52%-48% margin, plunging the nation into its most significant political crisis since World War Two. Burnham emphasized the need for voters in European democracies to be adequately informed about efforts to disrupt their political processes. He highlighted the importance of clearly articulating these points and believed it would assist voters in Germany and France to comprehend that such political manipulation is often orchestrated by their adversaries, particularly Russia.

In July, Burnham indicated his willingness to campaign for Britain's re-entry into the EU during the next general election, reigniting the contentious debate over the country's relationship with Europe.