UK prime minister publicly acknowledges Russian interference in 2016 Brexit referendum

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on October 8 that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. He made this statement during a visit to Berlin, becoming the first sitting UK prime minister to say this publicly.

Burnham said he asked his advisers about Russian interference when he became prime minister in July 2026. They confirmed that interference had taken place. He did not give specific details about what Russia did or how much it affected the vote.

During his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Burnham also said Russia is currently interfering in France and Germany, including possible links to the far-right party Alternative for Germany. Russia has denied interfering in any elections. Some pro-Brexit groups say Burnham's claims question whether the 2016 result was legitimate.