Politicsdomestic
Prime minister says Russian interference in Brexit vote is 'inconceivable'
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that it is "inconceivable" to think Russia did not attempt to interfere in the 2016 EU referendum. However, Downing Street clarified that while such efforts likely occurred, they do not believe the interference was successful in altering the outcome. The remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition figures and Brexit campaigners, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who branded the prime minister a liar, and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who cited past security assessments. Despite the political backlash, Burnham defended his stance in Parliament, emphasizing the need to protect the UK's democratic processes from foreign disruption without questioning the legitimacy of the 2016 vote itself.