Latest articles by Will Barker, The Week UK
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Zero-bills homes: how you could pay nothing for your energyThe Explainer The scheme, introduced by Octopus Energy, uses ‘bill-busting’ and ‘cutting-edge’ technology to remove energy bills altogether
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Prince Harry’s court battle with ‘highly intrusive’ pressIn the Spotlight As the Duke of Sussex and other high-profile claimants begin their trial against Associated Newspapers, ‘the stakes for all sides are high’
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Spain’s deadly high-speed train crashThe Explainer The country experienced its worst rail accident since 2013, with the death toll of 39 ‘not yet final’
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There’s a new serif in town: Trump’s font overhaulIn the Spotlight As the State Department shifts from Calibri to Times New Roman, is this just a ‘typographic dispute’, or the ‘latest battleground’ of a culture war
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Why Saudi Arabia is muscling in on the world of animeUnder the Radar The anime industry is the latest focus of the kingdom’s ‘soft power’ portfolio
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EU-Mercosur mega trade deal: 25 years in the makingThe Explainer Despite opposition from France and Ireland among others, the ‘significant’ agreement with the South American bloc is set to finally go ahead
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Tips and tricks for VeganuaryThe Week Recommends Here are some of our best recommendations for a plant-based start to the year
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The elite falcon trade in the Middle EastUnder the Radar Popularity of the birds of prey has been ‘soaring’ despite doubts over the legality of sourcing and concerns for animal welfare
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Zimbabwe’s driving crisisUnder the Radar Southern African nation is experiencing a ‘public health disaster’ with one of the highest road fatality rates in the world
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The diminishing power of willpowerIn the Spotlight ‘Try harder’ attitude may not be the best way to achieve long-term goals
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The best alcohol-free alternatives for Dry JanuaryThe Week Recommends Whether emerging from a boozy Christmas, or seeking a change in 2026, here are some of the best non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits to enjoy
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The biggest viral moments of 2025In the Spotlight From the Coldplay concert kiss cam to a celebrity space mission, these are some of the craziest, and most unexpected, things to happen this year
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Why 2025 was a pivotal year for AITalking Point The ‘hype’ and ‘hopes’ around artificial intelligence are ‘like nothing the world has seen before’
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Is Trump deliberately redacting Epstein files to shield himself?Today’s Big Question Removal of image from publicly released documents prompts accusations of political interference by justice department
Today’s Big Question -
How to make the most of chestnutsThe Week Recommends These versatile nuts have way more to offer than Nat King Cole ever let on
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Who is paying for Europe’s €90bn EU loan?Today’s Big Question Kyiv secures crucial funding but the EU ‘blinked’ at the chance to strike a bold blow against Russia
Today’s Big Question -
Trump vs. BBC: what’s at stake?The Explainer The US president has filed a $10 billion lawsuit over the editing of Panorama documentary, with the broadcaster vowing to defend itself
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The UK’s best Christmas pantosThe Week Recommends Dive into the festive cheer, even into the new year, with some traditional favourites and modern twists
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Phish food for thought: Ben & Jerry’s political turmoilIn the Spotlight War of words over brand activism threatens to ‘overshadow’ the big ice cream deal
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Weird conspiracy theories: from JFK to 5GIn Depth It’s easy to dismiss ‘alternative truths’ but the most famous – and strangest – conspiracy theories can retain their fascination for generations
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Is a Putin-Modi love-in a worry for the rest of the world?Today’s Big Question The Indian leader is walking a ‘tightrope’ between Russia and the United States
Today’s Big Question -
The best UK music tours in 2025: from Lorde to Loyle CarnerThe Week Recommends The bands and singers to catch live, while you still can
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The twists and turns in the fight against HIVThe Explainer Scientific advances offer hopes of a cure but ‘devastating’ foreign aid cuts leave countries battling Aids without funds
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Should the right to trial by jury be untouchable?Today’s Big Question With a crown court backlog of around 80,000 cases, David Lammy says ‘status quo cannot go on’
Today’s Big Question
