UK PM accuses Russia of Brexit meddling (VIDEO)

Moscow firmly denied any involvement, and previous British governments said no evidence was found UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham claims that Russia “clearly” interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum which led to Britain leaving the EU, without providing evidence to back up the rehashed allegations.

Speaking on ‘The Rest is Politics’ podcast on Sunday, the prime minister said he sought answers about Russia’s alleged involvement after taking office this summer.

“I asked the question coming to Downing Street: Well, was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was.” Burnham did not identify who provided the assessment, what evidence supports it, or whether any alleged interference affected the result.

Defending the timing of his unsubstantiated claim – ten years after Brexit – Burnham argued that voters need to understand that some political movements were “instigated via our enemies, namely Russia.” Britain voted to leave the EU in the June 23, 2016 referendum, with 51.89% backing Leave against 48.11% for Remain, with 72.2% turnout.

The vote was driven largely by demands to reclaim sovereignty, control immigration, cut EU regulations and budget contributions, and pursue independent trade deals, amid widespread dissatisfaction with the political establishment.

Read more ‘No evidence of successful interference’: UK govt rejects new 'Russia & Brexit' probe after Parliament report on alleged meddling Allegations of Russian interference through media activity and bots allegedly boosting pro-Leave sentiment have surfaced before, but Burnham is the first sitting prime minister to publicly make the claim.

Previous governments denied that Russia influenced the vote, citing “no evidence of successful interference” or any impact on the result.

Russia has dismissed the allegations as baseless speculation and part of a pattern of Western accusations.

Moscow has not yet commented on Burnham’s claims.

Russian interference? Western governments have repeatedly pointed the finger at Russia over elections and political developments, including recent contests in Germany, France, Moldova, and Georgia.

On the podcast, Burnham recalled a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose CDU was defeated by the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) in three major state elections in recent weeks.

According to Burnham, Merz also raised the issue of Russian involvement, citing the AfD’s alleged ties to Moscow.

Read more Lavrov destroys BBC’s ‘hybrid war’ play (VIDEO) Russia firmly rejects the allegations of political interference.