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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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’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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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
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Are Irish fuel protests a sign of things to come?Today’s Big Question Blockades across Ireland could trigger ‘more radical’ action across Europe
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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UK music festivals you can still bookThe Week Recommends Summer is fast approaching – and your favourite bands are calling
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Will ceasefire in Iran lead to the end of war?Today’s Big Question ‘Fundamental disagreements persist’ between the US and Iran and, if unresolved, could result in the same ‘impasse’ as before conflict began
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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How corruption rules the Russian front line in UkraineIn the Spotlight Moscow’s officers accused of extorting their soldiers with threats of torture or deadly front-line postings
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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John Proctor Is the Villain: ‘punchy’ riposte to Arthur Miller classicThe Week Recommends Kimberly Belflower’s hit play is a ‘terrific piece of provocative entertainment’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Why renewable energy prices are linked to gasThe Explainer Despite ‘remarkable’ advances in renewables, UK energy market is set by gas prices – with ‘obvious challenges’ for consumers
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Antisemitism in the UK: how prevalent is it?Today’s Big Question Following an arson attack in north London, there are fears that attitudes to the Jewish community are ‘heading to a dark place’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Best classic hot cross buns for EasterThe Week Recommends Enough with novelty; time for a good old traditional bun bake
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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How the Iran war is affecting airspacesIn the Spotlight Hundreds of thousands of passengers have had Middle East flights cancelled as ‘paralysed’ system struggles to keep up
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Will the Iran war cause another cost-of-living crisis?Today’s Big Question Interest rates held, energy prices rising: if the conflict continues, the economic outlook for Britain looks ‘bleak’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Mini guide on the RHS Chelsea Flower ShowThe Week Recommends The UK’s signature floral showcase takes place in May, and promises ‘horticultural heaven’ for plant enthusiasts and novices alike
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Will Israel’s war in Lebanon outlast Iran conflict?Today’s Big Question Israel has launched a ‘significant’ ground offensive against Hezbollah, which could have ‘devastating humanitarian consequences’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Mandelson files: when will we know the whole story?Today’s Big Question The first release of documents shed little light on accusations of a government ‘cover-up’
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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