Russia did try to interfere in Brexit referendum, head of MI5 confirms
The gist
MI5 head Ken McCallum confirmed Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 Brexit referendum.
The confirmation follows a row over the PM's claim; the result is unchanged.
How it unfolded
- 2020Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee published a report into Russian interventions in UK elections and referendums, finding the Government failed to fully assess the impact of Russian state-run media and "troll" accounts on the EU referendum.
- Oct 11, 2026BBC reported PM Andy Burnham said it is 'clear' Russia interfered with the Brexit referendum, after discussing Russian interference with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Germany.
- Oct 12, 2026Al Jazeera reported Burnham said it is "clear" Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit vote, warning French and German voters of the same threat; The Independent reported he became the first PM to confirm Russian interference in the Brexit vote.