# Russian interference in Brexit referendum > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-interference-in-brexit-referendum > Updated: 2026-10-16T05:32:31.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and MI5 Director General Ken McCallum have addressed allegations of Russian interference during the 2016 Brexit referendum. McCallum confirmed that Russia attempted to influence public opinion using media coverage from broadcasters RT and Sputnik, alongside the use of internet trolls and fake social media accounts on X to promote anti-EU and anti-migration messaging. While acknowledging these attempts, McCallum noted that evidence does not prove Russia successfully swayed the final result and cautioned against overstating the success of such activities. Prime Minister Burnham stated that he received a ‘clear answer’ regarding the interference upon arriving at Downing Street. He suggested the UK has not sufficiently informed the public about foreign interference in British democracy and noted that while Russian actors targeted the 2019 general election, it is ‘inconceivable’ that this was the first instance of such activity. Burnham emphasized that while the Kremlin’s role should be ‘clearly and officially documented,’ he respects the referendum result. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Andy Burnham claims Russian interference in Brexit referendum Prime Minister Andy Burnham has drawn criticism after claiming Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, prompting a response from MI5 regarding the scale of such interference. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andy-burnham-claims-russian-interference-in-brexit-referendum ### 2026-10-12: MI5 confirms Russian interference attempts in Brexit vote MI5 chief Ken McCallum confirmed Russia attempted to interfere in the 2016 Brexit vote via state media and social media trolls, though he noted this did not prove the referendum outcome was swayed. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-officials-claim-russian-attempts-to-undermine-brexit-failed --- Cite as: Russian interference in Brexit referendum. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-interference-in-brexit-referendum