Andy Burnham says it is clear Russia interfered in Brexit referendum
Andy Burnham said he asked about Russian involvement in the 2016 referendum after entering Downing Street and received an affirmative assessment. He made the comments on The Rest is Politics podcast.
He did not identify who gave him that answer, describe the evidence or say whether any interference changed the outcome.
A parliamentary committee previously criticised ministers for not seeking a full review of Moscow’s activity. It cited efforts to influence British politics through Russian state-backed media and social media accounts.
The committee said attempts by a hostile government to affect a democratic process matter whether or not they succeed. Burnham has also raised concerns about overseas efforts to disrupt politics and said Britain should consider future options for its relationship with the EU.
Key points
- Burnham says he was told Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum.
- He disclosed neither the source of the assessment nor its supporting evidence.
- A committee said ministers failed to obtain a full assessment of Moscow’s activity.