UK PM Burnham Says Russia Interfered

Prime Minister Andy BurnhamAndy BurnhamBritish politician said he was told after entering Downing Street that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. It was the first public acknowledgment of such interference by a UK prime minister. The referendum was close, with 52 percent voting Leave, making outside influence claims politically charged. A 2020 parliamentary intelligence report said the government had not ordered a full assessment of possible Russian interference. Downing Street said Burnham still considers the result legitimate. Foreign OfficeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeMinistry of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom minister Stephen DoughtyStephen DoughtyWelsh politician and MP (born 1980) said Russia tried to interfere but did not affect the result. Russia denied meddling and disputed Burnham’s claim. Burnham was due to address ParliamentParliament of the United Kingdomsupreme legislative body of the United Kingdom as the basis for his claim remained unexplained.