Minister insists Russia didn't sway EU referendum despite Andy Burnham's claim of 'clear' interference... with PM set to reignite Brexit wars in Commons

Published: 03:30 EDT, 12 October 2026 | Updated: 04:01 EDT, 12 October 2026 Andy Burnham's claim that there was Russian interference in the EU referendum was thrown into confusion by one of his own ministers today.The PM declared in a podcast that he had been told 'clearly' on arriving in Downing Street that Vladimir Putin had meddled in the 2016 vote.It is thought to be the first time a premier has publicly declared there was foreign influence on on the process - and caused a storm of protests from Brexiteers.However, one of Mr Burnham's own ministers played down the comments this morning, insisting Russian interference had not been successful.Foreign minister Stephen Doughty told LBC: 'We know what the result was. I don't think they've succeeded in their efforts.'I don't think they've succeeded in their efforts to undermine our elections.'He added: 'The security minister's been very clear that they've attempted but not succeeded, in his evidence that he gave previously on this.'But the fact is that they are attempting to interfere, and we all need to be alert to that and respond accordingly.' Andy Burnham will reignite Brexit wars in the Commons today after declaring he could campaign for the UK to rejoinThe muddle came as Mr Burnham prepares to reignite Brexit wars in the Commons, after suggesting he could support rejoining the EU.The PM is set to make a statement to MPs later arguing that cutting ties with Brussels has not 'delivered what was promised'.He will tee up a summit with the EU next month, saying failing to seek closer relations would be a 'dereliction of duty'.Last week Mr Burnham used his conference speech to reopen the issue of EU membership, despite vowing before taking over from Keir Starmer that he would not.Mr Burnham told Europhile party activists that he wanted to explore 'options' including committing to rejoin in the next election manifesto. He refused to say whether there would need to be another referendum.Ahead of the Commons returning this afternoon, a No10 source said: 'Andy understands why some politicians don't want to face up to the reality that Brexit has not delivered what they once promised.'But it is time for a different conversation about what our long-term relationship should be.'Sticking with the status quo and not working relentlessly to secure a good deal that boosts growth would be a major dereliction of duty.'The latest row erupted when Mr Burnham made claims about Russian interference during an appearance on The Rest is Politics podcast. Vladimir Putin's regime has been repeatedly accused of trying to influence democracies in the WestMr Burnham said he had spoken to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the influence of Russia during a visit to Berlin last week.'There is certainly misinformation, disinformation that is emanating from Russia into German politics,' he said.'But I asked the question coming to Downing Street: was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia?'And I've had the clear answer that yes, there was.'I mean, these things are important now to put clearly on the record and help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely Russia.'Mr Burnham said the UK had been 'too much on the back foot' and as a result voters had not been 'informed sufficiently about the extent to which people are seeking to disrupt the political process from overseas'.Tory frontbencher Andrew Bowie told Times Radio Mr Burnham's remarks were 'dangerous and divisive'.'We know that Russia and indeed Iran and other adversaries of ours around the world have been interfering or seeking to interfere in elections and referendums in this country and indeed within our allies for many, many years,' he said.'But that Brexit referendum was a legitimate vote.'People voted in this country in record numbers to leave the European Union. And I actually think it's very dangerous and divisive of the prime minister to reopen this debate in such an explosive fashion.'He knows that the division that was sowed by that referendum, the best way to resolve any lingering issues around that referendum is to get on and make the most of what we have now through Brexit, the best of the trade deals that we have, and indeed the benefits that we can get from being outside the European Union, such as being exempt from Trump's tariffs that he introduced earlier this year.'