In excerpts from The Rest is Politics podcast released Sunday, Mr Burnham said he asked his advisers after becoming prime minister in July whether Russia interfered in the 2016 referendum.

Investigations into the 2016 US elections suggested Russia sought to undermine Hilary Clinton’s campaign and favour now-president Donald Trump. (ABC News)

“I asked the question coming to Downing Street, ‘Was there interference in the 2016 referendum from Russia?’” he said. "I’ve had the clear answer that yes, there was.

“These things are important now to put clearly on the record and I believe help voters in Germany and France understand that some of this politics is instigated via our enemies, namely Russia.”

Mr Burnham did not spell out how Russia interfered in the referendum and did not provide evidence.