Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that Russia interfered with the Brexit referendum through social media campaigns. This marks the first time the UK Government has directly accused the Kremlin of using social media disinformation to interfere with British politics.
Speaking on the upcoming Rest is Politics podcast, Mr Burnham said he requested an assessment of the Kremlin's role in the referendum when he entered Downing Street in July. "I've had the clear answer that, yes, there was," he said.
PM puts claim on the record
The Prime Minister said it was important that this goes "on the record" so other European nations were aware ahead of their own elections. He said: "These things are important now to put clearly on the record and I believe help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely, Russia. I think we've been too much on the back foot on that actually and we haven't informed people sufficiently about the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas," reports The Telegraph.
Mr Burnham also noted that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is surging in popularity, was linked to Russia.
Referendum speculation
Brexiteers may fear that Andy Burnham is using this as a pretext for a second referendum. The PM hinted that an in-out vote could feature in future Labour manifestos, while ruling out any immediate action. In an interview with the BBC, he stressed that "to leap back" to a referendum "wouldn't be the right thing to do right now". But when questioned over future possibilities, he said: "Yes, things are possible. I think where we are isn't good enough."
The Prime Minister said options could include staying "exactly as we are", a closer relationship with the EU, or rejoining the EU customs union. He pledged in his Labour conference speech to explore closer ties with the bloc at a summit later this year.
Previous accusations and reaction
It is not the first time Mr Burnham has pointed fingers at the Kremlin over social media interference. He hinted to an audience at the United Nations General Assembly that the Kremlin had sought to spread "division" and "despair" on social media in the 2019 general election.
Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee accused the Government in 2020 of failing to assess how Russian influence may have affected the June 2016 vote. The nine-month delayed, 55-page assessment of Russia's interference in UK politics said the Government and intelligence and security services "underestimated the response required to the Russian threat and are still playing catch up".
Wendy Morton, a shadow Foreign Office minister, said: "The threats from hostile nations come in different shapes and sizes, and attempts to interfere in our elections are particularly concerning. However, the result of the Brexit referendum is legitimate and its authenticity should not be questioned. The public made their decision and Andy Burnham's attempts to turn back the clock to 2016 run against the best interests of our country. Measures to protect our democracy are welcome but they must not favour one side or the other."
