Burnham triggers talk of a Brexit reversal after accusing Russia of meddling in vote

October 13, 2026 — 6:19am

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A new claim about the Brexit referendum has set off an almighty row in Britain over Russian interference – and fuelled arguments about whether the country might one day rejoin the European Union.

The victors of the 2016 vote are crying foul after Prime Minister Andy Burnham named Russian state agencies as key culprits in trying to influence the referendum.

Meanwhile, the “Remainers” who opposed the split from Europe are praising Burnham for finally admitting what some observers said at the time was a clear case of foreign interference.

The timing is especially sensitive. Burnham believes Brexit has damaged Britain over the past decade, so he wants to tighten ties with the EU in talks next month in the hope of lifting growth.

But his stance is heresy for the “Leave” campaigners who suspect Burnham will one day call a new vote to reverse Brexit.

Burnham’s new quotes about old votes triggered headlines on Monday, when he went public about advice he received when he became prime minister and asked about foreign interference in the referendum.

“I don’t think we knew back then the extent to which there was state-sponsored interference in the British democratic process,” Burnham said.

“But I asked the question coming into Downing Street: Was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia? And I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there........

© The Age