Andy Burnham becomes first PM to confirm Russian interference in Brexit vote

Andy Burnham has become the first Prime Minister to confirm that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, saying that it was ‘clearly involved’.

He made the unprecedented comments during an appearance on the Rest is Politics podcast, saying that upon entering Number 10 he had asked whether Russia had tried to influence the vote – and was given “the clear answer that yes, there was”.

It comes after Burnham made clear at Labour Party conference last month that he favoured a closer relationship with the EU, with regret over Brexit at an all-time high among the public.

A number of opinion polls have now shown that there is a clear majority in favour of re-joining the EU.

Burnham also told the podcast he had spoken to the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the interference of Russia during a recent visit to Berlin.

“There is certainly misinformation, disinformation that is emanating from Russia into German politics,” he said.

“But I asked the question coming to Downing Street: was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia?

“And I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was.”

“I mean, these things are important now to put clearly on the record and help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely Russia.”