Russia’s delegates barely transfer as Andy Burnham slams Putin’s regime for ‘spreading lies’

Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Andy Burnham accused Russian agencies of spreading disinformation while also trying to interfere in the 2019 general election

Russia’s response was captured on film as Andy Burnham declared the UK and its allies had faced an “industrial-scale assault” from hostile nations, including Vladimir Putin’s regime.

During his address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr Burnham targeted Russia directly and didn’t hold back, despite their representatives sitting mere metres away.

He declared: “Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people’s fear,” he said.

“They’ve used bots and fake websites. Falsified newspaper articles. Forged the branding of 28 British organisations – including universities and the BBC. They’ve amplified far-right narratives.

“And we have evidence that they tried to interfere with the 2019 General Election.

“We also know that they have tried to stoke tensions and unrest in the wake of horrific events. The idea that anyone would try to use such things to their advantage is just repulsive – but it is what they do.”

As Mr Burnham launched his scathing attack on the nation currently waging war against Ukraine, cameras captured their delegation, who looked completely unmoved and barely reacted.

Mr Burnham continued: “The Kremlin spends around £1.3 billion each year on manipulating information.

“We’re talking about an insidious campaign that reaches into people’s homes and twists what they feel about their own country and community – creating a narrative of decline, stoking division and sowing despair.

“On top of that, we have seen cyber-attacks on our companies and institutions. And we know that AI will multiply the threat.

“We have tiptoed around this for too long,” he said. “Over the last decade we have given too much ground to those who want to run a negative, corrosive narrative about life in Britain, which bears no resemblance to reality. Well, no more.

“We are going to face the new decade in a different way – with our eyes wide open.

“We are going to be much prouder in standing up for our values and the rule of law.”

Mr Burnham stated that the UK was already assisting other countries grappling with similar online threats.

“We have already supported Moldova to protect its elections from Russian interference. As more elections approach across Europe, more nations are grappling with these issues – some for the first time.

“So we’re ready to share our understanding of how these actors work, and how we can respond – because this is vital for our collective security and resilience.”