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Burnham admits he has no evidence Russia swung Brexit vote after 'Boris and Farage blast PM' as a liar

From the Newshound archive · first published 14 October 2026.

Andy Burnham, who MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum warned had risked amplifying Russian propaganda by sharing details of an intelligence briefing on Moscow's interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.
Andy Burnham, who MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum warned had risked amplifying Russian propaganda by sharing details of an intelligence briefing on Moscow's interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.
Dame Emily Thornberry has called for EU membership to go directly into Labour's next manifesto without a second referendum.
Dame Emily Thornberry has called for EU membership to go directly into Labour's next manifesto without a second referendum.

Andy Burnham was forced into an embarrassing climbdown after admitting he has no evidence the Kremlin meddled in the 2016 Brexit referendum, just 24 hours after claiming officials had given him "the clear answer that yes, there was" interference. Downing Street scrambled to clarify that Burnham accepts the referendum result was "legitimate," as ministers struggled to defend a claim that sparked a furious political backlash. Boris Johnson told reporters "Burnham's Brexit lies have come back to bite him," while Nigel Farage held a press conference to declare "The Prime Minister is a liar" twice for emphasis.

Despite the retreat, Burnham vowed to press ahead with unpicking Brexit, calling the status quo "not good enough for Britain."

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch demanded in the Commons that Burnham "publish the evidence that Russia swung the result of the 2016 referendum."

Labour promised in 2024 to respect the Brexit result, a pledge that persuaded many pro-Brexit voters to back the party or stand aside.

MoreThe GuardianBrexiters can’t cope with the fact that Putin was cheering them onGB NewsAndy Burnham’s Russian interference claim insults every Brexit voter in BritainThe TelegraphLabour: We will publish proof when Russia interferes in future votesDaily Mail NewsBurnham is in retreat over Russia Brexit 'lies': Boris and Farage blast PM's referendum claimLBCRussian interference in Brexit, Reform's asylum 'shutdown': Nigel Farage on LBCLBC‘There will be no cherrypicking’: Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says freedom of movement ‘key condition’ of UK return to the EUEvening StandardScrap Brexit without a second referendum, says senior London MP Emily ThornberryHuffPost UKBrexitDaily Mail NewsLabour MPs warn on Burnham's EU push - as Europhile politicians rush to defend free movement and paying into Brussels coffersThe IndependentAndy Burnham will be the man to take Britain back into the EU, Neil Kinnock saysEvening Standard'Bombarded by lies': London MPs rage against Brexit as Sadiq Khan says rejoin EUDaily MailBurnham faces Red Wall backlash over his bid to cosy up to Brussels
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