Andy Burnham says Russian interference in Brexit vote is clear
The claim is the first by a UK prime minister to publicly acknowledge Russian involvement in the 2016 referendum, and he later tied it to calls for closer EU ties.
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What happened
On Oct 11, Burnham said it was clear Russia interfered in the 2016 vote to leave the EU, the first such acknowledgment by a sitting UK prime minister. On Monday he argued that Russian meddling showed Britain needed a closer relationship with the EU, saying the current situation was inadequate. The UK and EU then confirmed a date for a summit.
Why it matters
The remarks reopen the debate over whether Russia sought to influence the 2016 referendum. Burnham's planned post-recess statement will urge MPs to embrace closer EU ties on trade and immigration.
Timeline
- Oct 11, 9:12 PM ET: Burnham said it was clear Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit vote.
- Oct 12, 1:00 AM ET: Burnham was set to urge MPs to embrace closer EU ties in a post-recess statement focused on Brexit's damage, immigration and trade.
- Oct 12, 12:47 PM ET: The UK and EU confirmed a summit date after Burnham linked Russian meddling to the need for closer ties.
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