Russia did try to interfere in Brexit referendum, head of MI5 confirms
Summary
The head of Britain’s MI5 confirmed that Russia tried to influence the 2016 Brexit referendum using social media and TV broadcasts. However, he said these efforts were not very advanced and did not change the outcome of the vote.Key Facts
- Russia used English-language TV channels RT and Sputnik to spread biased anti-EU and anti-immigration messages during the Brexit referendum.
- Fake social media accounts run by Russian-linked trolls also tried to influence the vote, mainly on the platform X (formerly Twitter).
- The MI5 chief said these Russian efforts were not very sophisticated or effective.
- Studies found hundreds of misleading articles and varied estimates of Russian troll activity during the referendum period.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that Russia interfered in the Brexit vote but later clarified he did not say the vote was invalid.
- Downing Street confirmed Russian interference in the 2019 UK general election and said it was very likely they also interfered in 2016.
- MI5 warned that ongoing debate about this interference risks giving Russia an unintended propaganda win.
- The MI5 head emphasized the difference between what Russia tried and what actually affected the referendum.
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