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: 08:30 BST, 12 October 2026 | Updated: 08:42 BST, 12 October 2026

Andy Burnham will reignite Brexit wars in the Commons today after declaring he could campaign for the UK to rejoin.

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'.

The suggestion of revisiting the Brexit issue has sparked fury among political opponent - and nerves among some Labour MPs.

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.

Andy Burnham will reignite Brexit wars in the Commons today after declaring he could campaign for the UK to rejoin

The premier upped the ante again in an appearance on The Rest is Politics podcast over the weekend, claiming Russia 'clearly' interfered in the Brexit referendum.

Mr 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'.

It is thought to be the first time a premier has publicly declared there was foreign influence on the outcome of the referendum a decade ago.

However, one of Mr Burnham's own ministers played down the comments this morning, saying 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.'

The PM's statement comes as the Commons returns from its break for the party conferences. 

A No10 source said today: '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.'