Burnham accepts Brexit result ‘legitimate’ despite Russian interference, says No 10

Downing Street has said that Andy Burnham does not think Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit campaign affected the result. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.

Asked if that was the implication of the PM’s comments to the Rest is Politics podcast, the PM’s spokesperson told journalists at the lobby briefing this morning:

“Given everything we know about Russia, it is inconceivable they did not seek to use the referendum to their benefit. But as the minister [Stephen Doughty] said this morning, we do not believe they have succeeded.”

The spokesperson said the PM “absolutely accepts the referendum result”.

After repeated questioning the spokesperson added: “Yes, we do believe the referendum result to be legitimate.”

This statement confirms that Downing Street recognizes the Brexit referendum result as legitimate despite concerns about Russian influence. The PM’s spokesperson, while acknowledging that Russia may have sought to use the referendum to its benefit, noted that their efforts were not successful.

Stephen Doughty was named as the minister who commented on the matter this morning. His statement reflects concern about possible Russian interference but confirms it did not affect the result.

Andy Burnham’s comments on the Rest is Politics podcast raised questions on the matter. The PM’s spokesperson, clarifying Burnham’s position, stated that he considers the referendum result legitimate.

The statement was made amid ongoing debates about Russian influence on Brexit. Downing Street, while acknowledging the possibility of Russian interference in the referendum, stressed that it did not affect the result and that the result is considered legitimate.

Responding to journalists’ questions, the PM’s spokesperson clearly set out the government’s position: Russia’s actions may have taken place, but they were not successful, and the referendum result remains legitimate.

Thus, Downing Street confirmed that Andy Burnham considers the Brexit result legitimate, demonstrating the government’s acceptance of the referendum result despite concerns about Russian interference.