The UK Prime Minister has claimed that Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union, known as Brexit, and warned that similar incidents are happening in France and Germany.
On Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 GMT+7, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum for the country to withdraw from the European Union, confirming he received clear answers on this matter after taking office at 10 Downing Street.
Burnham said on the podcast The Rest is Politics that after becoming Prime Minister, he inquired about the possibility of Russian interference in the 2016 vote and stated, “I received a clear answer that yes, interference did occur.”
“I believe we have been too passive in the past and have not adequately informed the public about the extent of foreign attempts to obstruct political processes,” Burnham said, without revealing details on how Moscow interfered or the scope of such interference.
The UK Prime Minister also warned that similar interference is occurring in France and Germany, stating, “There is definitely misinformation and false information from Russia entering German politics,” adding, “These are important facts to clearly document now, and I believe they will help voters in Germany and France understand that parts of their politics are being stirred by our adversary, Russia.”
However, the Brexit-supporting group Britain Unbound countered Burnham’s remarks, calling them “another crude attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the British public’s decision in 2016.”
They emphasized that while foreign interference is unacceptable, “there is no good reason to believe that Russian interference influenced the 2016 referendum’s outcome,” adding, “It is highly insulting to suggest voters were so easily deceived.”
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Minister immediately denied the UK parliamentary reports of interference, labeling them as “Russophobia.” A Kremlin spokesperson confirmed that “Russia has never interfered in other countries’ elections.”
At the United Nations General Assembly in September, Burnham accused Russian agencies of using “every available means to spread lies, false information, and exacerbate public fears,” announcing the creation of a new center to “counter the toxic wave” of misinformation.
A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that national security laws are being enforced to protect democracy and critical infrastructure, while enhancing the intelligence and police capabilities to handle foreign threats.
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Source:bbc