This Is Why - podcast cover

This Is Why

Sky Newswww.skynews.com
The world’s a pretty confusing place right now – so how do you make sense of it all? This Is Why  takes one story every day, explains how we got here and why it matters to you. Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions. Available every weekday afternoon. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
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Episodes

Are the Paris Olympics safe?

As Paris prepares for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, arsonists have targeted France's high-speed rail network causing travel chaos. The French government has mobilised its intelligence and security services in response to the "malicious acts", but questions are being raised over the preparedness for the games, and if a heavy security presence could impact the experience of the 11 million visitors expected over the next fortnight. On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joi...

Jul 26, 202417 min

Stamping video: What justifies police officers using force?

A police officer has been suspended after a video showed a suspect being kicked in the head and stamped on at Manchester Airport. The police watchdog has started an investigation into the level of force apparently used by the officer. On this episode, Niall Paterson speaks to our north of England correspondent Shingi Mararike and to former officer and Sky News police commentator Graham Wettone about the latest challenge facing Greater Manchester Police. Audio credit: BBC Radio Manchester Produce...

Jul 25, 202421 min

Charlotte Dujardin: Why did the whipping video come out now?

Team GB's Charlotte Dujardin could have become the country's most-decorated female Olympian in Paris. But she's withdrawn from the dressage after a video emerged of her whipping a horse 24 times in one minute - which she says is "out of character" and an "error of judgment". Some have questioned why the video has emerged now - at least two years after it was filmed - with claims the timing is "suspicious" days before the Paris games. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to sports corresp...

Jul 24, 202420 min

How much trouble is Strictly Come Dancing in?

It's one of television's most successful shows ever and this year's series was meant to be all about celebrating its 20th anniversary. But controversy has hit the BBC dancing contest in recent weeks. Two male dancers have left the show amid allegations of misconduct, and last week it was announced production staff will chaperone all rehearsals from the next series. The BBC's annual report was released today and its director-general Tim Davie apologised as he addressed the Strictly controversy, s...

Jul 23, 202421 min

How will Kamala Harris take on Trump?

Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton have endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democrat nomination for President. But there are notable names – including Barack Obama – who haven’t given her their support so far. Is the Vice President significantly more electable than Joe Biden? Niall Paterson is joined by Michael Yaki, former senior advisor to Nancy Pelosi, who has known Kamala Harris for 20 years. Plus, Thomas Gift, political scientist at University College London, profiles some of the potent...

Jul 22, 202420 min

Biden quits US presidential race - what happens next?

Joe Biden has withdrawn from the US presidential race, saying it is in the best interest of his party and country. He has now endorsed his vice-president Kamala Harris to be the Democratic candidate - as have a growing number of senior members of the party. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to US Correspondent Martha Kelner about the timing of Biden's departure and to Scarlett Maguire from JL Partners about what the polls are saying. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont...

Jul 22, 202421 min

Crowdstrike chaos: What are the lessons from the world's biggest IT failure?

It’s been an extraordinary day of cancelled flights, disrupted businesses, problems for healthcare and TV stations not being able to get on air (ahem). And all because of an update for Microsoft Windows. So what caused one of the biggest IT failures ever seen – and what do we know about Crowdstrike, the company which released the update? Ali Fortescue’s in for Niall to discuss it all with our science and technology editor Tom Clarke and data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire. For further ...

Jul 19, 202413 min

Baird Inquiry: How Greater Manchester Police acted unlawfully

The Baird Inquiry was set up to look into the treatment of people in the custody of Greater Manchester Police, following a Sky News investigation by our home affairs editor Jason Farrell. Dame Vera Baird, a former victim's commissioner, examined 15 cases and found GMP were guilty of unlawful arrests, demeaning strip searches and exercising powers they do not have. Niall Paterson is joined by Jason to hear more of the stories of people mistreated by GMP and to look at Dame Vera's findings. Plus, ...

Jul 18, 202422 min

King’s speech: What are Labour’s key plans?

King Charles has delivered the new Labour government’s first King’s Speech setting out their priorities for the months ahead. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson looks at what the government has promised with Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates and economics editor Ed Conway. Plus, Niall speaks to people and politics correspondent Nick Martin about what the Labour government are doing to tackle the ‘ghost children’ epidemic. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont...

Jul 17, 202423 min

JD Vance: Who is Trump's running mate?

Donald Trump has announced Ohio senator, JD Vance, who once compared him to Hitler, as his running mate for November's US election. But who really is the 39-year-old former venture capitalist and now potential future vice president? On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's US correspondent James Matthews, plus Josh Glancy, editor of The News Review, who interviewed Vance in 2017. Plus, Niall also speaks to Sky's security and defence editor Deborah Haynes about what i...

Jul 16, 202423 min

Trump, Biden and a divided States

President Joe Biden has stressed the need for divided Americans to come together as he addressed the nation, after Donald Trump was shot in an assassination attempt. As former President Trump heads to the Republican National Convention to receive the party's nomination for the upcoming election, will he seek to 'lower the temperature' or capitalise on the polarisation of the nation? On today's Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our US correspondent James Matthews to explore how realistic Preside...

Jul 15, 202420 min

How the Trump assassination attempt changes the US election

Saima Mohsin presents this extra episode on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. She's joined by US correspondent James Matthews and International Affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss the FBI investigation, what it means for security at future rallies and this week's Republican National Convention. They also discuss how it changes the rest of an already bitter and divisive presidential election campaign. For more analysis click here: https://news.sky.com/story/us-politics-is-laced-w...

Jul 14, 202424 min

How the psychology of Southgate got England to the final

England manager Gareth Southgate says his team are ready to "make history" in the Euros final on Sunday. The last time they reached a final in a major tournament was back in 2021, when England lost the COVID-delayed Euro 2020 final in a penalty shootout against Italy at Wembley. On today's Daily, Niall Paterson looks at the build-up to the big match with our sports correspondent Rob Harris and assesses Southgate's use of sports psychology to build a winning team with sports psychologist and form...

Jul 12, 202420 min

Water: Bills to rise but how do we clean up the industry?

Water bills are to rise by an average of 21% over the next five years, the industry regulator Ofwat has ruled. But with the impact of the cost-of-living, water companies spilling record amounts of sewage into our waters, and controversial bonuses for senior leaders, do we need a complete overhaul of the industry? On this episode, Niall Paterson hears from our business correspondent Paul Kelso in Henley, on the impact for consumers, providers and our water ways. Niall also speaks to Stuart Colvil...

Jul 11, 202421 min

How does Keir Starmer reach out to the world?

As the new prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer makes his international debut at the NATO summit in Washington – what does he need to do to make a quick impact with international colleagues? On today's Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's political correspondent Tamara Cohen to discuss how Sir Keir is tackling his first international visit. Plus, Lord Peter Ricketts, former diplomat and French Ambassador, joins Niall to take a look at Labour's wider foreign policy plans. For further background f...

Jul 10, 202423 min

Ukraine hospital attack – and how the world reacts

Ukraine has published what it says is "unequivocal" evidence a Russian missile hit Kyiv's largest children's hospital. The Okhmatdyt hospital treats 20,000 people a year. A two-storey wing helping children with cancer was destroyed in the attack. It's the deadliest airstrike in Ukraine for months - on the eve of a NATO summit and as China and Belarus start military exercises near the Polish border - what reaction can we expect? Niall Paterson is joined by Jimmy Rushton, a Kyiv-based journalist a...

Jul 09, 202418 min

Finding a French PM: Who is Jean-Luc Melenchon?

The left-wing alliance in France has won the most seats in a dramatic election, dealing a surprise blow to the far-right party of Marine Le Pen. Le Pen's National Rally was aiming to become the biggest party in parliament for the first time but was stopped by tactical voting and collaboration between her opponents. On this episode, Niall Paterson speaks to Europe correspondent Adam Parsons about the shock result and to Philippe Marliere, professor of French and European Politics at University Co...

Jul 08, 202417 min

After the ‘revenge’ election, what’s politics going to be like now?

Thursday’s election results have transformed Parliament. Not only do Labour have a huge majority but also the smaller parties, the Liberal Democrats, Reform and the Greens made big gains. There is also now a record number of women MPs, and first time MPs, many of them much younger than the MPs they are replacing. Niall Paterson talks to Sky’s political commentator Adam Boulton about the new-look parliament and what it means for UK politics in the coming months. Plus, our correspondents Greg Mila...

Jul 05, 202429 min

Will Biden fight on?

US President Joe Biden has admitted he "screwed up" in the first presidential debate against Donald Trump, but has vowed to fight on until the US election in November. Donald Trump has told reporters Mr Biden is quitting, while prominent Democrat figures, including Barack Obama, say the current president has their full support. On today's Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our US correspondent James Matthews to assess the likelihood of President Biden withdrawing from the presidential race, and ...

Jul 04, 202418 min

The stories from the election battle buses

On the final day of campaigning, the Sky News correspondents who have followed party leaders to every corner of the UK reflect on the key moments. From kayaking photo opportunities to people who bet against their own election chances – they tell Niall Paterson how the stories have cut through and the impact they could have on polling day. Joining Niall are our political correspondents - Darren McCaffrey with the Conservatives, Serena Barker-Singh on the Labour bus, Matthew Thompson following the...

Jul 03, 202428 min

The British companies keeping Russian gas flowing into Europe

The UK, US and Europe have sanctioned the importation of Russian oil and gas since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But from 2022, European nations have spent €10bn on Russian Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), and British companies are facilitating the trade. Our economics and data editor Ed Conway sits down with host Niall Paterson to tell the story of how an obscure company based in an office block on a quiet street in Glasgow became an accessory in Vladimir Putin's war on Ukraine. Pro...

Jul 02, 202421 min

Five things the main parties aren't mentioning this election... and how exit polls are done

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) says there's a "conspiracy of silence" at this election; that all of the major political parties aren't being honest enough about their fiscal plans. The thinktank says all the major parties are avoiding discussion around the black hole in their spending plans for after the election - but what else are they not talking about? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by economics and data editor Ed Conway to look at why topics from tax to Brexit might...

Jul 01, 202419 min

Can Joe Biden carry on?

Joe Biden and Donald Trump faced off in the first election debate of this year's US presidential campaign on Thursday night. The president was seen to mumble and stumble his way through, while former president Trump repeated false claims that the 2020 election was rigged. On this episode Niall Paterson unpicks the debate between the senior citizens, with our US correspondent James Matthews in Georgia on the hits and misses, and pollster Scarlett Maguire on how American voters are feeling about t...

Jun 28, 202423 min

Gareth Southgate: How do you lead a team that’s not performing?

England manager Gareth Southgate has faced growing criticism over his leadership this week, despite guiding the Three Lions to the knockout stage of the Euros as group winners. Some fans are disappointed with the lacklustre performances and have vented their anger towards Southgate, who has responded by calling for continued support of the team. “I understand the feeling towards me, but back the players,” he said. “It’s crucial the fans back the players.” On this episode Niall Paterson is joined...

Jun 27, 202423 min

Does 'gamblegate' mean the Conservatives are a busted flush for voters?

In any election campaign, a lot of attention shifts to undecided voters. As this campaign moves into its final week, Niall Paterson looks at how the election date betting scandal is cutting through to those who are still wondering who to support - and those who could change their mind. He speaks to political correspondent Darren McCaffrey who has spent the campaign covering the Conservatives and to pollster Luke Tryl, from More In Common UK, about how this scandal has compared to other moments o...

Jun 26, 202419 min

Is this the end of the Assange story?

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is almost at the end of a 14-year legal battle, which saw the US demanding his extradition for conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information, following diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks put online in 2010. In return for a guilty plea, Assange becomes a free man and will not face being sent to the US, having already served almost 5 years in a British prison. On this episode, Niall Paterson is joined by Alex Rossi, our internation...

Jun 25, 202422 min

What could have happened to Jay Slater?

Jay Slater went missing while on holiday on the island of Tenerife last week. The last known contact the 19-year-old had was during a short phone call to a friend, in which he said he had missed a bus trying to get back to his accommodation and so was attempting to walk instead - a journey that would take 11 hours. Rescue teams including helicopters, rescue dogs and drones have entered the second week of the search, as his family and friends become desperate for answers. What could have happened...

Jun 24, 202420 min

Why won't politicians really talk about social care?

Four out of five people will need social care before they die - yet it's hardly been mentioned in the election campaign to date. The architect of the government's delayed social care reforms, Sir Andrew Dilnot, has told Sky News politicians need to "grow up" and tackle the crisis in the sector. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political correspondent Rob Powell to discuss the current state of social care and what political parties are promising to change. We als...

Jun 21, 202422 min

Putin, North Korea and a ballistic bromance

Russia and North Korea have signed a defence pact to help each other in the event of aggression against them. As part of a two day trip, Putin visited Pyongyang, greeted by a red carpet, roses and ceremonial gunfire before signing what Kim Jong Un has called an alliance. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett and Beijing correspondent Nicole Johnston about what this unusual relationship between the leaders means for their respective countries, and...

Jun 20, 202419 min

Poll suggests record Tory slump - what could change in two weeks?

Sky News has partnered with YouGov for the general election campaign and today the second of their three MRP polling projections is out. It makes for very bleak reading for the Conservatives, suggesting they have not made any gains during the campaign and could slump to historically low seat numbers. The poll also suggests Labour's majority is up, the Liberal Democrats are up as well and Reform UK could win several seats. On this episode, Niall Paterson analyses the implications of today’s poll ...

Jun 19, 202421 min
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