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UK PM Andy Burnham says it is ‘clear’ Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly acknowledged for the first time that Russia interfered in the UK's 2016 Brexit referendum, though he did not provide specific evidence or details.
- Burnham warned French and German voters about similar interference threats, highlighting concerns about Russia's influence on European politics, including possible links to Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party.
- He condemned Russia’s attempts to interfere in the UK’s 2019 general election and emphasized the importance of recognizing such foreign meddling to protect democratic processes.
- A 2020 UK parliamentary report confirmed Russian meddling in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum but noted the government did not request a thorough assessment of interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.
- Burnham recently suggested the UK should reconsider its future relationship with the EU, including the possibility of rejoining, citing Brexit’s failure to deliver promised economic and immigration control benefits.
