Latest articles by Will Barker, The Week UK
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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
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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
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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’ metal as the head of government
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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
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Inventive ways to cook with watermelonThe Week Recommends The refreshing fruit is having a moment – in savoury dishes
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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
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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’
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The UK’s quirkiest museumsThe Week Recommends Explore the country’s history through some of its most unconventional exhibits
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Africa’s blueberry boomUnder the Radar The continent is capitalising on a demand for fresh produce, using new techniques and forging new commercial partnerships
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Wildberries attacks: why is Ukraine targeting ‘Russia’s Amazon’?Today’s Big Question Pressure on Russian e-commerce giant presents Kyiv with growing leverage beyond the front line
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Five years of Taliban rule: has the world given up on Afghanistan?Today’s Big Question As fifth anniversary of withdrawal of US troops approaches, imminent famine and ‘systematic erasure of Afghan women’ remain unaddressed
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Is Germany the centre of a hybrid Russia-Nato war?In the Spotlight Thwarted attack on German airport has ‘directed suspicion towards Russia’ as drone threats become more prevalent
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Can deadly escalation between Russia and Ukraine be stopped?Today’s Big Question Recent strikes in both countries show that civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire, with world leaders urged to intervene
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Donald Trump’s multi-billion dollar yen playThe Explainer Framed as ‘good for the world economy’, joint intervention between US and Japan to boost the yen could mainly benefit America
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Sonam Wangchuk and hunger striking in IndiaIn the Spotlight The Indian activist is championing a student-led protest against the education system, but his health is declining
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Don’t cry because it’s over: will the country miss Rachel Reeves?Today’s Big Question The chancellor can claim a few ‘sizeable’ achievements, but will largely be remembered for ‘breaking promises and making Brits poorer’
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Edinburgh Fringe 2026 mini guideThe Week Recommends The festival has launched some of the biggest names in the arts, and continues to discover hidden gems
The Week Recommends
