A new Channel 4 documentary, England 'Til I Die, charts the year-long descent of Liam Tomsett, a telecommunications manager from Crowborough, into far-right activism. The film reveals how a once-peaceful Sussex commuter town became a flashpoint for anti-immigration protests, violence, and division.
From ordinary life to agitator
Liam, a self-confessed 'patriot' and father of two, says he was 'just changing jobs, moving house, newly single, and going to the odd protest' before his life changed overnight. He heard on the radio that nearby army camps were to house 600 asylum seekers, and felt 'something's got to be done about it'.
He and his friend Gary set up the protest group 'Crowborough Says No' and began organising rallies. In one scene, Liam blocks contractors from working at the asylum centre, saying: 'We're trying to make people feel uncomfortable about being there. That if you are working there, you are part of the problem.' He was arrested and charged with common assault and possession of an offensive weapon, but the charges were later dropped.
A network of division
Documentary maker Jamie Roberts, known for The Jihadis Next Door and Angry, White and Proud, tells Metro that the story 'doesn't start with violence and intimidation. It starts heated at a council meeting. It's a broad church, with people from all walks of life and all across the political spectrum who are concerned.' However, as events unfold, a vacuum opens, and flag group Raise the Colours become involved, while 'citizen journalists' spread hatred online.
Roberts says he was surprised by the popularity of live streamers, some of whom attract more viewers than mainstream television. He describes them as 'just a guy with a camera who rocks up in a car', yet more people watch his live stream than watch Sky News.
Personal cost and community fear
Liam becomes a hero inside the echo chamber, but his personal life unravels. His partner Shana says he was suspended from his job and 'his friends are non-existent'. Liam admits he has not been there for his grown-up children and has not had time to grieve for his father.
In one scene, Liam and a group of men taunt three men from the asylum centre, following them and telling them they are not welcome. Liam denies intimidation, saying: 'I was engaging them in conversation. We weren't chasing them. We were walking with them.' He adds: 'There is an agenda to replace us. By powers bigger than Government. By globalists,' though he cannot explain who the globalists are.
One resident calls Liam 'a local thug' and notes that there were over 29,000 domestic violence incidents last year in Sussex alone. Barman George, holding a 'Make Love Not War' sign, says the community is scared. Shana tells the documentary how Liam 'opened her eyes fully', expressing fear that 'White British people [are] being taken over by Muslims very, very rapidly'.
Pattern across the country
Roberts blames isolation, social media echo chambers, economic anxiety, and a sense of national decline for fuelling division. He says the algorithm creates a bubble where 'everyone confirms each other's beliefs', leading to a 'very narrow train of thought'. He notes that similar violence has erupted in Dover, Essex, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and elsewhere, describing it as 'a network with clear goals' that is 'very organised, and currently they're succeeding'.
Reflecting on the year, Roberts says he was shocked by how far Liam went, risking 'pretty much everything in his life to achieve these political goals'. He adds: 'I don't think he's singular. I think there are lots of Liams around the country picking up a microphone, giving speeches, being emboldened to do this.' Barman George concludes: 'Crowborough was this beautiful, sleepy little village. You felt safe with the family here. That peace is gone. You don't know who you can talk to anymore. You don't know who you can trust. We're all a little bit scared, and a little bit tired.'
England 'Til I Die airs on Channel 4 on Wednesday 16 September at 9pm.
