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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Coastguard payments scrapped after court case backfiresUnder the Radar MPs to meet coastguard volunteers to discuss end of hourly expenses
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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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Cool off at the best lidos in the UKThe Week Recommends Where to escape the heat with an outdoor dip
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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How has the Brexit vote changed Britain?Today’s Big Question A decade since the decision to Leave shocked the world, the UK's political landscape remains ‘destabilised’
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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How US-Iran peace deal will affect the cost of livingThe Explainer Oil prices have already fallen sharply from peak but effects from Gulf conflict could be felt for months to come
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The UK’s five greatest prime ministersIn Depth New YouGov poll gives the latest indication of the fame and popularity of the UK’s past leaders
By Will Barker, The Week UK Last updated
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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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The best places to celebrate summer solsticeThe Week Recommends Salute the longest day of the year at Stonehenge – or these other remarkable solstice spots
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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Best UK nature festivals to visit this summerThe Week Recommends Revel in plants and wildlife in beautiful outdoor settings
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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Are NHS single patient records a saving grace or security nightmare?Today’s Big Question Digitisation initiative comes before Parliament again, amid fears it could be undermine patient trust in the healthcare system
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
Under the Radar
