Burnham’s Brexit-Russia U-Turn? PM denies implying referendum was illegitimate after evidence demand

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has sparked a political row after saying he was told Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. His remarks triggered questions from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch over whether he was casting doubt on the legitimacy of the vote. Burnham rejected that suggestion, insisting he had not questioned the referendum result. Downing Street also clarified that the government considers the result legitimate and does not believe Russian interference changed the outcome. However, Burnham has not publicly disclosed the evidence behind his claim, reigniting debate over foreign influence, national security and Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with the European Union. The controversy comes as his government pushes for closer UK-EU ties.