Revealed: the towns at risk from far-right extremism

Harlow joins seaside resorts on charity's list of 52 vulnerable areas in England and Wales

It was conceived as an essay in civilisation", but some have argued that Harlow has on occasion fallen short of this lofty ambition. Now a new analysis heralds fresh woe for the Essex new town - designed in 1947 - by labelling it one of the places in England and Wales most at risk" from the fallout of the pandemic, which could spill over into support for rightwing extremism.

Of 336 councils, researchers identified 52 - including Harlow - where Covid is believed to have caused community tension and could inspire far-right activity. A report out on Monday from the Hope not Hate charitable trust says each of the places suffered a significant downturn in the pandemic, has a history of slow recovery from economic shocks and displays less liberal than average" attitudes to migration and multiculturalism.