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Burnham Says Russia Interfered in 2016 Brexit Vote

By Drooid · Oct 11, 2026, 10:04 PM UTC · How we work

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Premier admits interference

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on 11 Oct 2026 that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
He said he was the first UK premier to acknowledge the interference and pledged a new centre to counter disinformation.
Burnham warned that comparable Russian influence could target France and Germany.
A new disinformation centre will be created and powers expanded via the National Security Act.

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AfD linked to Russia

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on 11 Oct 2026 that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Past governments kept the public insufficiently informed about foreign meddling, Burnham said.
A 2020 intelligence committee report criticised ministers and agencies for not fully assessing Moscow’s activities.
He told Chancellor Friedrich Merz the AfD is linked to Russia.
Burnham said the UK will support Germany confronting the Russian-linked far-right threat.

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Premier admits interference

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on 11 Oct 2026 that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
He said he was the first UK premier to acknowledge the interference and pledged a new centre to counter disinformation.
Burnham warned that comparable Russian influence could target France and Germany.
A new disinformation centre will be created and powers expanded via the National Security Act.

1 / 2