Latest articles by Will Barker, The Week UK
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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
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Rayner, Burnham or Miliband: who will be the ‘stop Wes’ candidate?Today’s Big Question With Wes Streeting’s resignation, the door may be opening to one, or multiple, leadership challenges from the party’s soft left
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Best nature reserves to visit in the UKThe Week Recommends Britain’s protected landscapes boast ‘remarkable biodiversity’
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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How birth order could impact your healthUnder the Radar Researchers show that firstborns are more likely to have ‘neurodevelopmental conditions’ such as autism and ADHD as well as allergies
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The best paddleboarding spots in the UKThe Week Recommends With summer approaching, there’s no better way to explore the water than while standing up on a board
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How did America’s political violence get so bad?Today’s Big Question The third assassination attempt on Donald Trump in two years shows attacks are becoming a ‘feature’ rather than an ‘outlier’
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Why are stock markets surging despite Iran crisis?Today’s Big Question All-time share-price highs reveal an ‘inexplicable optimism’, but fears of collapse due to US-Iran volatility are keeping bankers ‘awake at night’
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MS-13 and mass trials in El SalvadorThe Explainer With nearly 500 alleged gang members on “collective” trial in front of unknown judges, human rights organisations are criticising the fairness of proceedings
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South Korea’s ‘war-like’ energy crisisIn the Spotlight War in Iran represents ‘turning point’ for the country, though lack of infrastructure and effective action have not resolved its dependence on oil
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Who’s who in the world of AI?The Explainer In an ever-expanding industry, the same names keep cropping up
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Zug: The European ‘bolt-hole’ for the Gulf eliteUnder the Radar Historic town has earned the title ‘Swiss Monaco’, as Middle Eastern mega-rich flock to the lakeside haven
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Healthy and delicious nut buttersThe Week Recommends From almond to pistachio, these tasty spreads are finally being recognised as a versatile kitchen staple
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LIV Golf: on course for collapse?In the Spotlight Rumours of the withdrawal of ‘eye-watering’ Saudi funds from the tour will ‘reverberate across professional sport’
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What does Israel want in the Lebanon conflict?Today’s Big Question Despite diplomatic talks in Washington, ‘significant hurdles remain’ in dealing with the ‘distorted reality’ of Israel’s leaders
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Why the UK is not ready for warThe Explainer Requiring greater funding, and with shrinking personnel numbers, Britain is at ‘serious risk of being left behind’ its allies
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Why wasn’t the Southport killer stopped?Today’s Big Question Inquiry into 2024 rampage revealed an ‘inappropriate merry-go-round’ of state bodies refusing to accept responsibility for Axel Rudakubana’s attack
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The best places for a birdwatching trip in EuropeThe Week Recommends It’s time to grab your binoculars and head for the continent
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