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Sky News Daily

Sky Newswww.skynews.com
The Sky News Daily podcast with Niall Paterson brings a deeper look at the big stories - with Sky News correspondents and expert guests.

Every night at 5pm, Niall is joined by the correspondents we have around the UK and across the globe to take a breath and help you get your head around the topics of the day.

We're joined by guests too who can take you through the questions you have about the news.

Less breaking news, more understanding news. 
The full story at 5pm.

Email Niall [email protected]

Episodes

Unreliable Witness: Ellie Williams, and the other trial

At the height of lockdown, 19-year-old Ellie Williams claimed on social media she'd been abused and trafficked by an Asian grooming gang across the North of England. The rumours lead to attacks on Asian men and businesses in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. But then she was jailed for perverting the course of justice. It was a story Sky News’ home editor Jason Farrell, and specialist producer Liz Lane followed in depth, and our podcast series Unreliable Witness detailed what really happened to...

Feb 28, 202514 min

Why are asylum claims at the highest level in over 20 years?

Government figures released today showed that the number of asylum applications was at a 20-year record high but, for the first time since 2020, more applications were refused than granted. The data also reveals that the number of asylum seekers in hotels has gone up, but that the asylum backlog has gone down. Small boat crossings were up on last year but down on 2022. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire to find out what we learnt fro...

Feb 27, 202513 min

More heat pumps, fewer kebabs. Is this the way to stop climate change?

Four in five cars should be electric and half of homes should have heat pumps within 15 years. That's according to the government's independent climate advisers, the Climate Change Committee. It says to reach the legally required "net zero" target by 2050 we will need to change how we drive, what we eat and how we heat our homes. Niall Paterson talks to Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke about how individuals can make a difference and what support they can expect from the government....

Feb 26, 202516 min

Trump wants Ukraine’s minerals: Ed Conway explains why

This episode of Sky News Daily explores Donald Trump's interest in securing access to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US support. Ed Conway, Sky's economics editor, discusses the realities of Ukraine's mineral resources, the challenges of refining rare earths, and the broader geopolitical implications. The conversation covers the potential for a deal, the fairness of the arrangement, and whether Ukraine's resources are as valuable as Trump believes.

Feb 25, 202516 min

Merz v Trump: Is this the start of a new Europe?

Germany is set to have a new chancellor, Friedrich Merz. From the conservative Christian Democrat party (CDU), Merz will now look to form a coalition government. The leader-in-waiting has made striking remarks in a post-victory speech, saying Donald Trump is indifferent to Europe's fate, putting the US president's America on a par with Russia. What does Merz’s tone mean for Europe? Niall Paterson is joined by our Europe correspondent Adam Parsons to discuss how the Merz-Trump relationship could ...

Feb 24, 202517 min

TRUMP100: Farage on Trump; Bannon on Johnson

This time on the Sky News Daily, we're handing over to another Sky News podcast - Trump 100. Mark Stone, Martha Kelner and James Matthews are dropping episodes at 6am (UK) every day to chart what President Trump is saying and doing in his first 100 days in office. They examine what the administration's approach means for the US and the world. On this episode, you'll also hear from former Trump advisor, Steve Bannon, and from Nigel Farage who has been in the US this week for the Conservative Poli...

Feb 21, 202518 min

Why is the far-right on the rise in Germany?

The far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) is expected to have its best election results since it was formed 12 years ago. It's currently in second place in opinion polls with one in five Germans expected to back it at this weekend's general election. It will not, though, be part of any coalition government as the other parties will refuse to work with a far-right party. In today's Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire discusses who is voting for the AfD and why, with our Europe correspondent...

Feb 20, 202520 min

Starmer meets Trump - but how does he prepare?

Sophy Ridge guest hosts this episode with a look ahead to Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump next week. He was already going to have a tightrope to walk as the potential bridge between the new White House administration and an out-of-favour Europe - but how will the PM handle the President's comments about Volodymyr Zelenskyy? Joining Sophy is Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor of the Sunday Times. He's also co-author of the book `'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer'. They dis...

Feb 19, 202516 min

What next after the US-Russia talks? (And why was it in Saudi?)

Russia's foreign minister and the US secretary of state have met in Saudi Arabia for the first time since the war in Ukraine began three years ago, to discuss a Ukrainian peace deal. Why is it such a significant moment? With the meeting taking place in Saudi, and given their diplomacy in arranging the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, how has the kingdom under Mohammed bin Salman become a global power broker in President Trump's new world order? Tom Cheshire hosts today's Sky News Daily looking at what al...

Feb 18, 202516 min

Can we rely on Trump for our security? 

As the US and Russia negotiate an end to what President Donald Trump calls a “ridiculous war” in Ukraine, Europe faces a critical question. Can it still depend on Trump’s America for protection, or is this the moment to have a massive rethink on defence – and can the UK afford it? Mark Austin guest hosts this episode of the Sky News Daily and is joined by former NATO deputy supreme allied commander General Richard Shirreff to discuss the future of European defence and what this means for Ukraine...

Feb 17, 202515 min

Ukraine: Trump wants peace - but what would it look like?  

Donald Trump promised throughout his election campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine, now following a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is the conflict closer to ending than ever before? On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by Sky's International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss the fear among European allies about what the costs of peace in Ukraine could be. He also discusses what wider implications rewarding Putin with land could have on a geopolitic...

Feb 14, 202515 min

What is health anxiety and is it clogging up the NHS?

Latest figures show 73% of patients in England were seen within four hours in A&E last month - up from 71.1% in December - but still well below the NHS target of 95%. Doctors have told Sky News the winter crisis in the health service is being made worse by patients who are demanding urgent and immediate care when it is not always what they need. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by health correspondent Ashish Joshi to discuss what is behind the rise in health anxiety and he also talks t...

Feb 13, 202519 min

What do hidden documents tell us about Syria's missing people?

Two months on from the fall of the Assad regime, Syria is still uncovering the depths of the horrors inflicted on its own citizens during his rule. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay and senior foreign producer Dominique Van Heerden, who have been inside a notorious prison complex in Homs, near Damascus. They have been examining the hundreds of thousands of burnt documents left behind, which reveal the extent of Assad’s crimes. Producer: Emma Rae...

Feb 12, 202521 min

Thatcher’s Britain? The legacy of the most influential post-war prime minister

It is 50 years ago this week that Margaret Thatcher became leader of the Conservative Party and it’s a testament to her legacy that she’s being invoked by both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch. When she became Prime Minister in 1979 she drove through radical policies like council house sales, privatisation and a crackdown on trade unions which continue to shape Britain today. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by Chief political correspondent, Jon Craig to discuss how Margaret Thatcher’s l...

Feb 11, 202520 min

Sweet FA: Does Plymouth prove there is life in the cup yet?

Arguably one of the best football sides in the world were knocked out of the FA Cup over the weekend by struggling Championship side Plymouth Argyle. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson is joined by sports correspondent Rob Harris to discuss whether bigger priorities are making these magic-of-the-cup moments rarer, as well as Joe Bell from the Argyle Life podcast – who saw it happen. Celtic fan Niall also has to mention the other big cup upset of the weekend and applaud the follow up to one of ...

Feb 10, 202518 min

Will Trump make space great again?

The US is back in the race to the moon but this time, the competition is China. Determined not to lose, President Donald Trump is pushing for America to return to the moon, backed by billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. But as costs rise and delays mount, could the focus shift from the moon to Mars? On the Sky News Daily podcast, Tom Cheshire speaks to Science and Technology editor Tom Clarke and space journalist Eric Berger about the escalating price of securing America's place in the sp...

Feb 07, 202518 min

Why are South African HIV clinics closing because of Trump?

Elon Musk and the Trump administration have agreed to shut down USAID, the world's largest single donor to international aid programs, with thousands of staff being withdrawn as Mr Musk says it is "beyond repair". The decision follows a wave of government cuts since Mr Trump's return to office last month. On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire speaks to Sky's Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir - reporting from Johannesburg - where the effects are already being felt, as sexual health clinics are cl...

Feb 06, 202516 min

What does the Middle East make of Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' plan?

Donald Trump has proposed the US should take over Gaza and that the two million Palestinians living there should be resettled elsewhere. The US president argued that Gaza was a "demolition site" and that it could be turned into a "Middle East Riviera" under US control. His comments break decades of US foreign policy which has emphasised a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. They have been described as "dangerous" by multiple countries. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by inte...

Feb 05, 202522 min

How do you know you've chosen a good care home?  

A Sky News investigation has discovered elderly people in care homes across the country are being left unwashed in soiled sheets, unable to reach food and water, and suffering falls when left alone. The investigation also uncovered huge problems with how concerns about care homes are investigated – and the way these homes are rated by the Care Quality Commission. On this episode, Niall Paterson speaks to social affairs correspondent Becky Johnson, who explains the issue of neglect at care homes ...

Feb 04, 202517 min

How does Starmer keep Trump’s US and the EU sweet?

After having introduced trade tariffs on Canada and Mexico over the weekend, President Donald Trump is now threatening import taxes on EU goods. He has, however, said the UK would stay tariff free “for now”. Sir Keir Starmer says Britain won’t need to choose between the two, saying it’s important to work with both on areas including trade and security. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by our deputy political editor Sam Coates and US correspondent Mark Stone to break down how Starmer might ...

Feb 03, 202519 min

Trump: Making Tariffs Interesting Again, with Ed Conway

“Tariffs is the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary,” said Donald Trump during his second inauguration as US president, alongside God, religion, and love. This weekend, Trump hopes to follow through on his threat to hit imports, starting with a 25% border tax rate on Canada and Mexico. But some worry that the protectionist trade policies, new tariffs and retaliatory measures by other nations could slow economic growth in the US, spur inflation, and trigger a trade war. Niall is joined by...

Jan 31, 202519 min

Washington plane crash: What we know so far

American Airlines flight 5342 was preparing to land on runway 33 at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last night when it collided with a military helicopter. There were no survivors - how could such a tragedy happen? On this episode, Niall Paterson is joined by former Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell to look at what might have led to the mid-air collision. Niall also speaks to Dr Michael McCormick, a US air traffic control expert who has developed policies for commercial ai...

Jan 30, 202518 min

Heathrow Airport: The case for and against a third runway

Rachel Reeves has backed a third runway at Heathrow as a key part of her economic growth strategy, saying the expansion of Europe’s busiest airport was “badly needed”. But it will very likely face opposition from environmental campaigners and local residents, which could hold up work on a third runway for years. On this episode, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent, Paul Kelso, and science and technology editor, Tom Clarke, to look at the pros and cons of the airport’s expans...

Jan 29, 202520 min

Exclusive: Iran's warning to US and Israel

Sky News' international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn joins to Niall following his exclusive interview with Iran's foreign minister in Tehran. Abbas Araghchi responds to Donald Trump's claim that a deal with Iran would be "nice", as well as talk that Israel could be planning an attack on his country's nuclear facilities with US backing - something he calls "crazy". Dominic's interview also covers the future of Gaza and he tells Niall, after a hugely damaging 12 months, what is on the line for I...

Jan 28, 202520 min

Auschwitz remembered: Why we should never forget

The 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz is marked on 27 January. It’s a day for remembering the horrors of the Holocaust, and other more recent genocides. But with many survivors now in their old age, how do we preserve their stories and accounts of what happened for future generations? Niall visits the Imperial War Museum to speak to historian Dr James Bulgin who is the museum’s head of public history, to learn more about the impo...

Jan 27, 202519 min

Trump 100: What is Trump really trying to say?

Trump 100 is Sky News' latest podcast covering President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. Daily host Niall Paterson drops in on day six, where US correspondents Martha Kelner, Mark Stone and James Matthews look beyond the Washington bubble to take stock of the first working week of the Trump presidency. The team focus on how the president has already been impacting the lives of ordinary Americans and those outside its borders. This week, Martha has been to Texas and Mexico to speak to th...

Jan 24, 202515 min

How do survivors of violent attacks try to move on?

Today, Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to a minimum term of 52 years for the murder of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, in Southport. Their families and the survivors of the attack were able to tell the court for the first time how their lives have been changed forever. On this episode, Niall Paterson is joined by north of England correspondent, Katerina Vittozzi, from Liverpool Crown Court. And to find out how survivors of the attack deal with the lasti...

Jan 23, 202522 min

The Prince and the Papers: Harry reaches settlement

Prince Harry has his apology from the owner of The Sun. The Duke of Sussex has settled with News Group Newspapers (NGN) following a long legal battle over surveillance and misuse of private information by journalists between 1996 and 2011. His lawyer called it a "monumental victory" as the paper's owner apologised for the "serious intrusion" into the prince's private life. Sky News' Tom Cheshire is joined by Royal Correspondent Rhiannon Mills and Deadline's Jake Kanter to discuss how significant...

Jan 22, 202520 min

Southport murders: What did the authorities know and when?

Sir Keir Starmer says terrorism has changed and we face a new threat as he announces the details of an inquiry into the state failings that left Axel Rudakubana able to kill three young girls in Southport last summer. Rudakubana was known to have been obsessed with violence and had been referred to the Prevent counter terrorism programme three times in the 17 months before the murders. On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined from Southport by North of England Correspondent Katerina V...

Jan 21, 202524 min

What Trump’s America could look like

As Donald Trump is sworn in for a second term as US president, the Sky News Daily takes a look at how he could shape America - and the rest of the world - over the next four years. Host Niall Paterson is joined by our US correspondent Mark Stone. They hear predictions from Sky's experts and look at the impact Trump's policies could have and how he might influence events around the world, from the Middle East to the Mexican border to Ukraine. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont...

Jan 20, 202526 min