A father of two has emerged as a central figure in Britain’s anti-migrant protest movement, driven by local opposition to asylum seekers being housed at a former military base near his home. Liam Tomsett, a utilities manager from Crowborough, Sussex, transitioned from a relatively quiet life to organizing demonstrations after learning that a local military training camp was designated to accommodate up to 540 men.
From Commuter to Activist
Tomsett co-founded the group ‘Crowborough Says No’ with a friend, initially aiming to prevent contractors from working at the facility. The protests, however, escalated, leading to confrontations and Tomsett’s arrest on charges of common assault and possession of an offensive weapon, though these were later dropped. The movement also faced counter-protests from those condemning their actions.
Before his involvement in the anti-migrant activism, Tomsett described his life as undergoing significant changes. “Last summer, I was just changing jobs, moving house, newly single and going to the odd protest,” he recalled. The catalyst for his intensified activism came when he heard about the plans for the military camp on the radio. “I thought something’s got to be done about it,” he stated, reflecting on his motivation.
The Impact of Activism
Tomsett acknowledged that his activism has become all-consuming. “It’s taken over,” he admitted. He expressed regret over the time lost with his adult children and reflected on personal losses, including his father, suggesting a lack of time to grieve. “I don’t think I’ve had time to grieve,” he said. He also noted the rapid shift in his circumstances, stating, “Six weeks ago life was very easy. I bought a new place. Got a nice job. Had a few quid in the bank. Don’t take anything for granted as things can change very, very quickly.”
His engagement with the issue extended to confronting asylum seekers. Tomsett was filmed interacting with three men en route to a church service from the accommodation centre. He maintained he was “engaging them in conversation” rather than intimidating them, walking alongside them. He questioned the safety of women and children walking home at night and raised concerns about the backgrounds of the asylum seekers, asking, “How do we know they haven’t committed a crime?”
Further incidents captured in a documentary showed Tomsett being arrested again for confronting a business owner attempting to offer training to asylum seekers. He was released by police without further action.
Broader Anti-Migrant Sentiment
The documentary also features Tomsett’s partner, Sharna, who stated that he had “opened her eyes fully.” She voiced concerns about demographic changes, saying, “We are dwindling. Which is scary. White British people being taken over by Muslims very, very rapidly.” Tomsett echoed these sentiments, suggesting an “agenda to replace us” orchestrated by forces beyond the government, which he termed “globalists.” When asked if his beliefs might cost him his job, Tomsett reframed it not as a matter of belief but as a “duty” to “keep your community safe.”
These events occur against a backdrop of increasing tensions and official warnings regarding anti-migrant protests. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has alerted police forces to coordinated efforts by protesters to intimidate communities. Recent incidents include disruptions at the Port of Dover and clashes in Portsmouth involving damaged vehicles and injured officers. In a symbolic act, residents of Piddington, Oxfordshire, voted overwhelmingly to secede from the UK in a mock referendum, following government plans to house over 1,000 asylum seekers at a nearby former military base.
Documentary Context
Liam Tomsett’s journey and involvement in the anti-migrant movement were documented over nine months by filmmaker Jamie Roberts for the Channel 4 documentary ‘England ‘Til I Die.’ Roberts is also known for co-directing the BBC documentary ‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone,’ which faced scrutiny from Ofcom for undisclosed details about the narrator’s background.
The documentary ‘England ‘Til I Die’ offers an inside look at the motivations and actions of individuals involved in grassroots anti-migrant activism, highlighting the personal impact and broader societal concerns fueling such movements in Britain.
