Kathrine Frich
A British man has stirred controversy online after claiming he feels “safer” living in Russia than in his home country.
A British man has stirred controversy online after claiming he feels “safer” living in Russia than in his home country.
Briton Claims He Feels ‘Safer’ in Russia Than in the UK
TikTok user Tommy Tompkins says he relocated under President Putin’s ‘Shared Values’ visa scheme.
The program allows foreigners to gain temporary residency, despite Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.
‘Cost of Living Is Atrocious’: Why He Left Britain
Tompkins listed several reasons for leaving the UK, including rising prices and crime.
“The cost of living [in the UK] is atrocious, the housing crisis, the feeling of being unsafe all the time,” he said.
He pointed to knife crime and social decline as key issues pushing him away.
Knife Crime and Free Speech Concerns Raised
One of Tompkins’ main complaints was safety on UK streets.
“Kids carrying knives, I don’t remember doing that as a kid. The UK is capital of Europe for knife crime,” he said.
He also claimed, “You can’t necessarily express a different opinion to what’s the status quo.”
‘The NHS Is on the Verge of Collapse’
In his video, Tompkins painted a bleak picture of public services in Britain.
“The NHS is on the verge of collapse. It seems so far in decline,” he said.
His views reflect growing frustration among some Britons over the state of healthcare and social services.
Life in Russia Feels ‘Clean and Safe,’ He Says
Tompkins says his daily life in Russia feels more peaceful than in parts of Britain.
“I don’t feel like I have to watch over my shoulder. I don’t feel like I’m going to get attacked. It’s clean and it’s safe. Tell me if I’m crazy!” he told viewers.
He described Eastern Europe in general as calmer.
Putin’s ‘Shared Values’ Program Attracting Foreigners
The TikToker moved to Russia through a visa scheme launched last year by Vladimir Putin.
The program promotes conservative values and Russian sovereignty, aiming to appeal to those who feel alienated by Western liberal democracies.
It has proven controversial given Russia’s ongoing repression of dissent.
Critics Point to Russia’s Authoritarian Clampdown
Despite Tompkins’ praise, critics online were quick to highlight Russia’s poor human rights record.
Under Putin, dissent has been heavily punished and civil liberties have eroded.
Even displaying an LGBTQ flag online can lead to prosecution.
As one commenter joked, “Ah, Russia, the famously free state where you can critique anyone or anything.”
Social Media Users React with Skepticism
Tompkins’ videos received a wave of criticism and disbelief from other users.
“You cannot make this up,” one wrote. Others acknowledged Britain’s problems but questioned his choice of Russia as a solution.
“I understand the concerns, [the] UK is falling apart. But really? Russia is where you think these things are better?” another asked.
