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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South Korea’s stalker tracking appUnder the Radar Government technology allows victims to know their stalkers’ locations in real time if they come within 2km
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Nottingham balaclava banThe Explainer The city has taken targeted steps to tackle anti-social behaviour
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Swedish elections on a knife-edgeThe Explainer A ‘razor-thin’ victory for the centre-left is forecast but not certain, in a result that tests the temperature of European politics
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Sardinia: Italy’s ‘Devil's Island’Under the Radar The Italian government’s decision to relocate ‘hardline’ inmates to the island stokes local fears of diminishing tourism and strain on services
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Stokes-Navier equation OpenAI controversyIn the Spotlight ‘Historic’ mathematical breakthrough by the tech company has been overshadowed by data privacy concerns of human researchers
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Bayeux Tapestry: a ‘truly magnificent’ spectacleThe Week Recommends Exhibition at the British Museum promises a ‘once-in-history’ viewing experience
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Life at Eton – what can Prince George expectIn the Spotlight Royal will have ‘uncle’ and ‘timelord’ to guide him through first weeks at historic boarding school
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Seven Up! kids at 70: a life on screenIn the Spotlight The landmark documentary series, which has charted the lives of 14 cast members since 1964, is coming to an end
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Queuing on Snowdon: making a mountain out of a molehill?Talking Point Social media posts have stoked the debate around waiting in line on one of the UK’s highest points
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The enduring legacy of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’In the Spotlight Country music icon’s most popular song marked a shift in attitudes in the genre and continues to influence next generation of global stars
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The best chef memoirsThe Week Recommends From tell-all kitchen drama to food odysseys, these books lift the lid on the culinary industry
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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No. 10 Full Confidence: could you last longer than the PM?Under the Radar The viral new scenario-based game tests users’ mettle as the head of government
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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What does the Russian threat to the UK look like?Today’s Big Question As Andy Burnham strengthens his solidarity with Ukraine, ongoing Russian hostility towards the UK could intensify
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Inventive ways to cook with watermelonThe Week Recommends The refreshing fruit is having a moment – in savoury dishes
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Morocco’s attempt to rebrand Western SaharaUnder the Radar Rabat investing billions in territory, despite ongoing dispute over autonomy and control
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The perfect Out of Office emailIn the Spotlight An automated response says something about you and getting it wrong can have ‘more serious consequences than you might think’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Is the clock ticking on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s premiership?Today’s Big Question Anti-corruption raids and public support for sacked minister have increased calls for elections in Ukraine
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Is Andy Burnham’s rough sleeping plan feasible?Today’s Big Question PM’s ambitious plan lacks detail, but Covid-era successes provide a glimmer of optimism
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Are welfare cuts Reform’s stumbling block?Today’s Big Question ‘Extremely ambitious’ plans could risk damaging relationships with Europe, and Reform’s own voting base
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Break point: why tennis needs to changeIn the Spotlight Major names are missing tournaments due to injury and the ‘gruelling’ schedule, but heatwaves, governing bodies and match-fixing are also concerns
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Best seaside fish and chip shops around the UKThe Week Recommends There are few better combinations in the world than a fish supper and sea views
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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What is life like in Iran during the war?In the Spotlight In the face of economic and social crises, views on the regime remain split, with building resentment against both US and Iranian governments
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Could we ever run out of water in the UK?Today’s Big Question Record temperatures and a lack of investment in infrastructure mean long-term water restrictions are becoming more likely
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The UK’s quirkiest museumsThe Week Recommends Explore the country’s history through some of its most unconventional exhibits
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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