UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly confirmed that the Kremlin was involved in Britain’s 2016 referendum to leave the European Union, saying that when he asked about interference upon taking office he was given a clear affirmative answer. His statement marks the first time a British prime minister has acknowledged Russian involvement in the divisive Leave campaign, reframing the 52%-48% vote as at least partly shaped by deliberate foreign meddling. Burnham made the admission on a major political podcast and said it was important to put the record straight.
He placed the revelation in a broader context of Russian efforts to foment euroscepticism and bolster pro-Russian parties across Europe, citing recent gains by Germany’s Alternative for Germany as evidence of that pattern. Burnham said clarifying Moscow’s role could help voters in Germany and France recognize externally instigated politics. The admission accompanies his push to deepen ties with the EU and coordinate support for Ukraine, while Britain continues measures such as sanctions to counter Russian influence and hybrid interference across European democracies.
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