U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, marking the first time a British prime minister has openly acknowledged such evidence. Burnham stated that the interference was clear and that it was important to record Moscow’s actions due to the ongoing threat to European democracies.

Burnham’s remarks come amid growing concerns over foreign influence in national elections. He emphasized that voters were not sufficiently informed about the efforts by foreign actors to disrupt UK democracy. The prime minister also highlighted the need for transparency and vigilance against such interference.

This follows a series of reports and analyses that have linked Russian state-backed activities to the Brexit vote. The claims are part of a broader international discussion on the role of foreign powers in shaping political outcomes. Burnham’s admission adds weight to ongoing efforts to hold governments accountable for safeguarding democratic processes.

The issue of Russian interference has been a recurring topic in U.K. Political discourse, with calls for stronger measures to protect electoral integrity. Burnham’s comments reflect a growing consensus among political leaders that such threats must be addressed with urgency.