Latest articles by Will Barker, The Week UK
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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
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Can Andy Burnham move Britain on from a decade of chaos?Today’s Big Question The PM-to-be is moving ever closer to No. 10, but unknowns over policy and approach are keeping sweeping optimism in check
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The gendered impact of heatwavesThe Explainer High temperatures can bring greater medical complications and increase domestic violence incidents, with women ‘at the sharp end’
The Explainer -
The Old Masters are seeing a renaissanceIn the Spotlight Market popularity for traditional artworks is on the rise, driven by younger artists and collectors
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Is the Russia-China relationship a threat to Nato?Today’s Big Question Seen as a friendship with ‘no limits’, the nature of this alliance could be changing as Nato ramps up defence spending
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Best water parks in the UKThe Week Recommends Thrilling slides, floating trampolines and wave pools for cooling down with a splash
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Why US military personnel are avoiding British justiceThe Explainer Offences committed by US personnel against UK civilians raise concerns over policing of American forces on British soil
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Thailand’s ‘ungrateful child’ lawUnder the Radar A beer dynasty’s public feud has highlighted the codified loyalty demanded of children across Asia
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Sky’s purchase of ITV: a new dawn for British TVIn the Spotlight The £1.6bn acquisition of ITV’s broadcast arm reflects growing fear of streamers who are dominating the media landscape
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Morgan McSweeney and the lessons for Andy BurnhamThe Explainer Keir Starmer’s former chief-of-staff claims his team failed to prepare properly before taking office – a stark warning to prime minister in waiting
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Defence black hole: Starmer’s parting gift for Burnham?Talking Point PM’s commitments in the Defence Investment Plan pose significant challenges for heir-apparent Andy Burnham and his future chancellor
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Summer Holiday the Musical: an ‘immensely good-humoured and infectious show’The Week Recommends The reimagined 1960s hit puts new energy into Cliff Richard’s classics
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What we know about Andy Burnham’s devolution plansThe Explainer Likely PM looks to surpass Starmer’s ‘devolution revolution’, redistributing more power away from Westminster to regions like Manchester
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What's causing the white working-class ‘disadvantage gap’?Today’s Big Question A new inquiry has highlighted that the demographic has been let down by the system, with educators calling for ‘radical change’ and investment
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Remigration: a growing far-right movementThe Explainer Once a fringe position, calls for mass deportation are spreading throughout Europe and entering mainstream politics
The Explainer -
Coastguard payments scrapped after court case backfiresUnder the Radar MPs to meet coastguard volunteers to discuss end of hourly expenses
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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’
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Cool off at the best lidos in the UKThe Week Recommends Where to escape the heat with an outdoor dip
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How the world reported on Keir Starmer’s resignationThe Explainer With the prospect of seven prime ministers in the last 10 years, some see Downing Street as a revolving door, and Britain as ‘ungovernable’
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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’
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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’
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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
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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
In Depth
