Kunle Barker

18/08/2026

On Channel 5’s Storm and Alexis today, we talked about Net Zero — and why I think some politicians arguing against it have got it so wrong.

This summer has given us yet another warning. Extreme heat, drought, wildfires and pressure on our water supplies aren’t abstract problems for some distant future. We’re seeing the effects of a changing climate now.

Of course we should debate how we get to Net Zero, how quickly we move and how we make sure the transition is fair and affordable.

But arguing that we should simply adapt and enjoy the warmer weather is the classic ostrich approach — put your head in the sand and hope the problem goes away. Or, perhaps more appropriately, the classic Don’t Look Up.

The warnings are already here. Ignoring them won’t make them disappear.

Net Zero isn’t the problem. It’s a vital part of the solution.



https://youtube.com/shorts/9Rg6U3xhlpk?is=37rd2YkxXCB2l7IR

Jeremy Vine, Storm & Alexis, and Matt Allwright are on television e...

16/08/2026

At Lord’s for The Hundred Final today and somehow ended up watching it from the top of the Pavilion.

Great cricket, good friends and a pretty amazing view at the home of cricket.

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday!

31/07/2026

Natural Places at the Green Summit 2026

Watching this back feels particularly timely.

When Andy Burnham and his team asked me to deliver the closing keynote at the Manchester Green Summit 2026, I spoke about Manchester’s willingness to lead, to innovate and to show that nature can sit at the heart of economic growth, healthier communities and better places.

In the closing moments of the talk, I said that if Manchester continued on this path, the world wouldn’t just watch—it would follow.

A great deal has happened since then.

Andy Burnham is now Prime Minister. Yesterday, Greater Manchester voted for its next Mayor, and with the result due later today, I sincerely hope Bev Craig has won. I believe she’s exactly the right person to continue the work that’s been done in Greater Manchester and to build on the momentum that has made the city-region a leader in nature, placemaking and innovation.

As I said in this keynote, I believe Manchester has the opportunity to become a template for towns and cities across the UK. If it continues to succeed, others won’t just watch.

They’ll follow.

It was a privilege to contribute to that conversation, and I’m excited to see what Greater Manchester does next.

30/07/2026

I’m delighted to share that I’ve been appointed to the Board of Natural England.

Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work across architecture, housing, placemaking, broadcasting and journalism. One idea has remained constant: nature shouldn’t be something we protect in isolation—it should be woven into every part of our lives, from our towns and cities to our schools, hospitals and the places we call home.

It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to Natural England’s important work, and I look forward to working with the Chair, my fellow Board members and the executive team in the years ahead.

Finally, thank you to everyone who has supported, challenged and encouraged me throughout my career. I’m genuinely grateful, and I’m excited for what comes next.

24/07/2026

A great couple of days in London.

Day one started in the Jeremy Vine studio, with plenty to talk about — the housing crisis, Andy Burnham, politics and the challenges facing the country.

Then it was straight into meetings, where, perhaps unsurprisingly, the conversation about housing continued. Different rooms and different people, but many of the same questions: how do we build the homes we need, create better places and actually make change happen?

Day two was rather different.

Lord’s. Cricket. Good friends. And a chance to enjoy one of my favourite places and one of my favourite sports.

From housing and politics to a day at the Home of Cricket.

Happy Friday

23/07/2026

The day Sir Garfield Sobers called me a rabbit… 🏏

The passing of the great Sir Garfield Sobers reminded me of one of my most treasured cricketing memories — and probably the only time I’ve ever been genuinely angry with my mother.

About 16 years ago, I was in Barbados and had just got into golf. Mum told me her friend Elvis was involved with Sandy Lane Golf Club and to call him if I fancied a game.

Eventually I did.

After my round, I joined Elvis at the clubhouse. After 15 minutes he said, “Kunle, do you mind if my friend joins us?”

“Of course not.”

I turned around.

“Have you ever met Sir Garfield Sobers?”

And so began an extraordinary hour talking cricket with one of the greatest ever to play the game.

We talked batting, bowling, family and why he never went into commentary. His answer was simple: he loved playing and watching cricket. Commentary wasn’t for him.

Then Brian Lara walked in.

Sir Garfield shouted:

“Hey Brian! This is that rabbit who didn’t turn up to our golf game last week!”

(To this day, I have no idea what “rabbit” meant.)

Bemused, I turned to Elvis. “What is he talking about?”

“Oh yes. I told your mum we had a fourball arranged. Me, you, Sir Garfield and Brian.”

Sorry… WHAT?

Mum knew I was supposed to play golf with Sir Garfield Sobers and Brian Lara. She’d simply told me to call Elvis if I fancied a game!

Mum!!!

I missed the fourball, but gained an hour with Sir Garfield talking cricket and life.

I have no photographs of that afternoon — and I’m glad. Some memories are too precious to be captured in a photo. That one lives perfectly in my memory.

Fittingly, today I’m at Lord’s watching cricket with my two oldest friends, so I took some time to find Sir Garfield’s wonderful portrait in the pavilion.

Godspeed, Sir Garfield.

Thank you for everything you did for cricket, Barbados and the West Indies — and for taking the time that afternoon to sit at the bar, share a Banks and talk cricket with a rabbit. 🏏❤️

22/07/2026

Filmed this while walking through London today, on my way to a production meeting ahead of tomorrow morning’s Jeremy Vine show.

There is plenty to talk about: Andy Burnham, housing, wealth taxation, the cost-of-living crisis, equity and the team he is putting around him.

I’m hopeful about what comes next. This country badly needs bold leadership, fresh thinking and a serious plan for delivery.

Then, the day after, I’ll be swapping politics for cricket and heading to Lord’s for The Hundred. Not a bad couple of days!

Watch Jeremy Vine tomorrow morning on Channel 5 from 9.15am.

Equity

10/07/2026

Can Texas-style adaptive deregulation help Britain build 4.25 million homes?

That's the question I explore in my latest Architects' Journal column.

Austin, Texas has shown that carefully reforming planning and housing regulations can dramatically increase housing delivery. Rather than arguing for wholesale deregulation, I explore whether the UK should embrace **adaptive deregulation** – selectively changing the regulations that prevent us from delivering the outcomes society actually wants.

"The world doesn't stand still, so neither should regulation. It should evolve as our needs evolve

I also explore how devolution could make this work in practice. Jay Morton's proposal for city architects could provide the mechanism for local leaders to adapt regulation responsibly, maintain design quality and accelerate housing delivery.

"Central government sets the ambition. Devolution provides local power. City architects help turn those powers into homes."

Ultimately, this isn't about choosing between more regulation or less regulation.

"Perhaps the question isn't whether we need more regulation or less regulation. Perhaps the question is simply whether regulation can do two things: protect us and allow us to build the housing we so desperately need."

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/opinion/how-texas-style-adaptive-deregulation-could-unlock-uk-housing-supply