UK PM Burnham Warns European Voters of Russian Political Influence Ahead of Key Elections

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, cautioning voters in France and Germany about Moscow-backed efforts to sway their domestic politics.

Burnham, who assumed office in July, became the first British prime minister to publicly assert evidence of Russian interference in the decade-old referendum. He suggested that Britain might consider rejoining the European Union in the future.

In an interview with The Rest is Politics podcast released Sunday, Burnham said: “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.”

The prime minister did not disclose the specifics of how Russia allegedly intervened or provide details on the supporting evidence. The Russian embassy in London did not respond to requests for comment.

Russia has previously denied any involvement in the Brexit vote, accusing Britain of being consumed by anti-Russian sentiment. Burnham’s remarks contrast sharply with those of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who led the Leave campaign and claimed in 2020 that no evidence existed of Russian interference.

The 2016 referendum resulted in a 52%-48% vote to leave the EU, triggering the UK’s most significant political upheaval since World War Two.

Burnham emphasized the importance of transparency for European democracies, stating: “These issues must be clearly put on record, and I believe it’s crucial for voters in Germany and France to understand that some political movements are instigated by our enemies, specifically Russia.”

A 2020 report by the UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee concluded that the government had failed to determine whether Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum. The same report found evidence of Russian attempts to influence Scotland’s 2014 independence referendum, which ultimately saw voters reject independence.Burnham recently indicated he might campaign for Britain’s re-entry into the EU during the next general election, reigniting the contentious debate over the nation’s European ties.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

Source link