World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
UK prime minister acknowledges Russia’s role in 2016 Brexit vote
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly acknowledged that Russia was involved in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
He said he asked about Kremlin involvement after becoming prime minister in July and was told that it had occurred.
In the referendum, 52% voted for the UK to leave the European Union and 48% wanted to remain.
Russia has long been suspected of encouraging opposition to the EU in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
Burnham said putting Russia’s role on the record could help voters in Germany and France understand how political movements may be encouraged by Russia.
He made the comments days after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
The remarks are due to appear in an episode of the podcast The Rest is Politics, scheduled for release on October 12.
Burnham’s government is also working to deepen ties between the UK and the EU.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was told Russia was involved in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
He made the comments in an interview for the podcast The Rest is Politics, according to the Observer.
The podcast episode was due to be released on Oct. 12.
The referendum resulted in 52% voting to leave the European Union and 48% voting to remain.
Burnham said putting the information on the record could help voters in Germany and France understand the role of Russia.
- Who
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- What
- He said he was told Russia was involved in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
- When
- He said he asked about Kremlin involvement after becoming prime minister in July; the report was published on Oct. 11, 2026.
- Where
- The referendum was held in the United Kingdom.
- Why
- Burnham said putting the information on the record could help voters in Germany and France understand that some politics is instigated by Russia.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
the clear answer that, yes, there was
These things are important now to put clearly on the record and, I believe, help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely Russia.
Voters in the United Kingdom chose to leave the European Union, with 52% voting to leave and 48% to remain.
After becoming prime minister, Burnham asked about Kremlin involvement and was told there was involvement, according to the Observer.
Burnham met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin.
The Observer reported Burnham’s comments.
The podcast episode featuring the comments was scheduled to be released.
- Referendum
- 2016
- Leave vote
- 52%
- Remain vote
- 48%
- Prime minister
- Andy Burnham
- Podcast
- The Rest is Politics
Sources
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