Russia did try to interfere in Brexit referendum, head of MI5 confirms
Spy chief Ken McCallum said Kremlin had attempted to influence 2016 vote through social media and TV reports
TL;DR
- MI5 head Ken McCallum confirmed Russia attempted to interfere in the Brexit referendum.
- Interference attempts included biased reports from RT and Sputnik, and activity from internet trolls on social media.
- McCallum stated these tactics were not sophisticated and did not have an impact on the referendum's result.
- He cautioned that continued debate about the interference provides a propaganda victory for Russia.
- Downing Street previously confirmed Russian interference in the 2019 general election and deemed it inconceivable they didn't interfere in 2016, but also stated it was not successful in the 2016 referendum.