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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The best woodland walks around the UKThe Week Recommends Lace up your hiking boots for our favourite autumn walks
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Can the Lib Dems actually get back into power?Today’s Big Question After Ed Davey’s final speech at the party conference, many supporters are still uncertain of the direction required for Westminster
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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‘Berlin's Mamdani’: a beacon for Germany's bruised LeftUnder the Radar Elif Eralp is set to be the city’s first Turkish-origin mayor, running on housing and affordability campaign
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Strictly – how is the revamped format working out?Talking Point New host line-up sees Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe share presenting duties
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Will Russian elections weaken Putin’s grip on power?Today’s Big Question Result of elections not in doubt but how much the Kremlin needs to hide public discontent could spell problems for Russia’s president
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The best orchards for apple pickingThe Week Recommends Perfect spots around the UK for a wholesome autumn day out
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The weapons the US have put in spaceThe Explainer ‘Extraordinary’ announcement has sparked strong criticism from Russia and China, fuelling fears of a space arms race
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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South Korea’s stalker tracking appUnder the Radar Government technology allows victims to know their stalkers’ locations in real time if they come within 2km
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The Nottingham balaclava banThe Explainer The city has taken targeted steps to tackle anti-social behaviour
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Swedish elections on a knife-edgeThe Explainer A ‘razor-thin’ victory for the centre-left is forecast but not certain, in a result that tests the temperature of European politics
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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High-security prisoners turning Sardinia into Italy’s ‘Devil’s Island’Under the Radar The Italian government’s decision to relocate ‘hardline’ inmates to the island stokes local fears of diminishing tourism and strain on services
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Stokes-Navier equation OpenAI controversyIn the Spotlight ‘Historic’ mathematical breakthrough by the tech company has been overshadowed by data privacy concerns of human researchers
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Tourist tax: how it might workThe Explainer Visitor charge is part of Burnham’s devolution agenda but could hit hospitality industry hard
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Bayeux Tapestry: a ‘truly magnificent’ spectacleThe Week Recommends Exhibition at the British Museum promises a ‘once-in-history’ viewing experience
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Life at Eton – what can Prince George expectIn the Spotlight Royal will have ‘uncle’ and ‘timelord’ to guide him through first weeks at historic boarding school
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The Seven Up! kids at 70: a life on screenIn the Spotlight The landmark documentary series, which has charted the lives of 14 cast members since 1964, is coming to an end
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Lindsay Clancy: the trial dividing AmericaIn the Spotlight The killing of three children by their mother has gripped the country, shining a spotlight on postnatal healthcare and the US justice system
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Queuing on Snowdon: making a mountain out of a molehill?Talking Point Social media posts have stoked the debate around waiting in line on one of the UK’s highest points
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The enduring legacy of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’In the Spotlight Country music icon’s most popular song marked a shift in attitudes in the genre and continues to influence next generation of global stars
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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The best chef memoirsThe Week Recommends From tell-all kitchen drama to food odysseys, these books lift the lid on the culinary industry
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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No. 10 Full Confidence: could you last longer than the PM?Under the Radar The viral new scenario-based game tests users’ mettle as the head of government
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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What does the Russian threat to the UK look like?Today’s Big Question As Andy Burnham strengthens his solidarity with Ukraine, ongoing Russian hostility towards the UK could intensify
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Inventive ways to cook with watermelonThe Week Recommends The refreshing fruit is having a moment – in savoury dishes
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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Morocco’s attempt to rebrand Western SaharaUnder the Radar Rabat investing billions in territory, despite ongoing dispute over autonomy and control
By Will Barker, The Week UK Published
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