Will Barker, The Week UK
Will Barker joined The Week team as a staff writer in 2025, covering UK and global news and politics. He previously worked at the Financial Times and The Sun, contributing to the arts and world news desks, respectively. Before that, he achieved a gold-standard NCTJ Diploma at News Associates in Twickenham, with specialisms in media law and data journalism. While studying for his diploma, he also wrote for the South West Londoner, and channelled his passion for sport by reporting for The Cricket Paper.
As an undergraduate of Merton College, University of Oxford, Will read English and French, specialising in early-20th century multilingual poetry, and contributed to the Merton College magazine. His degree also included a year abroad, when he worked for Auditoire, on organisational and translation projects such as the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. After graduating, he moved to Dublin to study an M.Phil in literary translation at Trinity College Dublin. Alongside his research, he freelanced for a communications company analysing media coverage, which helped him realise that writing was his calling.
Latest articles by Will Barker, The Week UK
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Why AI firms are turning to philosophersIn the Spotlight Philosophy is becoming integral to the development of AI, but some critics accuse the industry of ‘ethics-washing’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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How the world reported on Keir Starmer’s resignationThe Explainer With the prospect of seven prime ministers in the last ten years, some see Downing Street as a revolving door, and Britain as ‘ungovernable’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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ITV, Emma Hayes and her chalkboardTalking Point Broadcaster’s ‘relegation’ of expert tactician to ‘kitchen-esque’ set has been branded ‘unwitting sexism’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Anish Kapoor: ‘zinging’ exhibition is a ‘divine bloodbath’The Week Recommends The artist takes visitors to the Hayward Gallery on a ‘metaphysical rollercoaster ride’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Boozeball: does England men’s cricket have a drinking problem?Talking Point Star players dropped for breaking curfew, amid claims there is something ‘seriously wrong with the culture’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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UFC Freedom 250: martial arts at the White HouseThe Explainer Trump has long been an admirer of cage fighting but South Lawn event has been hit by lawsuit
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Civil war in the UK: online fantasy or emerging reality?Today’s Big Question The Belfast riots are only the latest anti-migrant protest fuelled by social media – and the violence could escalate
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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David Sullivan: the ‘king of porn’In the Spotlight Adult entertainment mogul and football club owner has denied allegations of ‘predatory behaviour’ made by a number of women
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Why does J.D. Vance have it in for Britain?Today’s Big Question Vice president’s criticism of Henry Nowak murder is the latest act of ‘political opportunism’ against Britain
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The ‘highly secretive’ mission to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to LondonIn the Spotlight British potholes just one obstacle in epic journey that has become ‘symbol of Anglo-French co-operation’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Can we really put the brakes on AI development?Today’s Big Question Some tech execs want a ‘pause’; the US president wants voluntary vetting – but can anything help keep AI under control?
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Microrobots that could heal spinal injuriesUnder the Radar Promising lab results for ‘microscopic repair crews, guided by magnets’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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How will Nigel Farage and Reform react to rise of Restore Britain?Today’s Big Question Early poll for Makerfield by-election shows threat posed by Rupert Lowe could make ‘critical difference’ to result
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Naomi Osaka and serving looks on the tennis courtTalking Point Japanese star’s ‘court-ure’ has sparked fierce debate within the tennis community
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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How dating apps are fighting swipe fatigueIn the Spotlight New app Breeze prioritises face-to-face interaction, while dating’s big-hitters are match-making with AI
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The prevalence of antidepressants in conflict zonesUnder the Radar Rising use of prescription drugs in war environments that trigger ‘mounting psychological strain’ could have sinister implications
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Will Andy Burnham win the Makerfield by-election?Today’s Big Question Contest provides a route back to Westminster but threat of Reform and dwindling Labour support make path far from secure
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Could a dam be built between the US and Russia?Under the Radar ‘Audacious’ intercontinental plan to maintain vital ocean currents faces political and environmental obstacles
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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China’s assault on the Tibetan languageUnder the Radar Tighter policies in schools reflect the ‘narrowed’ tolerance towards Tibet from the Chinese state
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Love Labour’s lost: where does the party go from here?Today’s Big Question Following substantial losses in local elections, either a ‘bloody civil war’ or a change of direction could be on the cards
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Best city farms in the UKThe Week Recommends It’s not just the countryside that can provide the perfect urban escape
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Life aboard stranded hantavirus cruise shipIn the Spotlight Three more passengers have been evacuated from MV Hondius, amid docking disputes and prospect of lengthy quarantine period
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The fight to bring McCann suspect Christian Brückner to trialIn the Spotlight UK police face ‘numerous hurdles’ to extradite suspect Brückner to Britain, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the disappearance next year
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Why ‘troubled’ Ajax tanks are making a comebackThe Explainer After concerns over soldiers’ health last autumn, controversial programme will resume a ‘phased’ approach to service
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
The Explainer
