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

Is Trump now “dictator”-in-chief?

Is Donald Trump increasingly acting like a dictator as he power grabs and overreaches on independent institutions? Plus - he’s firing people again. Why? Mark Stone reflects on seeing an immigration raid in DC - and what this means for a community with the army on the streets. And, we reflect on the mass shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 other people as they prayed in a church before school. You can also watch all episodes on our YouTube ch...

Aug 29, 202523 min

The cost of living crisis: When will it end?

It feels like we're having to pay more and more for the basics every month. New figures released this week showed food inflation has reached an 18-month high of 4.2% - pushed up by household favourites like chocolate, eggs and butter. The energy price cap is also rising, again. So, when will we start to feel a bit better off? Why is the hangover of the cost of living crisis still lingering? And as the nights draw in, what can be done to survive another cold winter? On today’s episode, Jonathan S...

Aug 28, 202519 min

Why aren’t we having more babies?

The total fertility rate for England and Wales - defined as the number of children a woman can expect to have over her lifetime - has fallen to another record low. It's the third year in a row the rate has fallen, and the biggest decline in fertility is among those aged between 25 and 29, increasing the average age of parents to 31 for mothers and 33.9 for fathers. So, why aren't people in Britain having more babies? On today’s Sky News Daily, Gareth Barlow is joined by leading demographer Paul ...

Aug 27, 202516 min

How realistic are Reform’s deportation plans?

Reform UK has outlined its plan to tackle the small boats crisis, which would include detaining and deporting all illegal migrants arriving in the UK. Leader Nigel Farage says his party is willing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, repeal the Human Rights Act and disapply the 1951 UN Refugee Convention for five years to remove barriers to deportations. On today's Sky News Daily, Sophy Ridge is joined by Sky's deputy political editor, Sam Coates, to discuss whether Reform's proposa...

Aug 26, 202517 min

The triathlete president who's now Trump's favourite: Alexander Stubb

This week, Finnish President Alexander Stubb found himself at the seat of world leaders at the White House, discussing the best route to peace in Ukraine. How? He mastered the art of befriending Trump. Tamara Cohen chats to former political adviser in the Finnish government, Joel Linnainmäki, and former diplomat at the Danish embassy in Washington during Trump's first term, Jonas Parello-Plesner, about Stubb's trajectory in the lead up to this huge political moment. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse...

Aug 22, 202516 min

Punish India to stop Putin? Trump’s tariff conundrum

Russian oil used to flow into Europe. Now, it's going to India and China instead. So, could Donald Trump's latest tariff threat against those countries put a squeeze on Russia's economic pipeline and help bring an end to the war in Ukraine? Despite the warm words and strong handshakes at their Alaskan summit, the Trump White House seems prepared to try new ways to hit Vladimir Putin in the pocket. But has the failure of the western sanction regime to cripple the Russian economy shown India and C...

Aug 21, 202511 min

Caves and crypto: The secrets behind the return of ISIS

Islamic State is on the rise, once more a threat to the international community. Driven from its strongholds in Syria and Iraq, the terror group has been building a new base in the mountains of Somalia. Sky’s special correspondent Alex Crawford has visited the cave network where Somali authorities believe the ISIS resurgence began - funded by crime and cryptocurrency in a sophisticated twist to their terror regime. Alex joined Niall Paterson on The Daily to discuss what she discovered and what i...

Aug 20, 202518 min

Are there flaws in the new law meant to be keeping kids safe online?

Children’s exposure to online porn is higher than ever before. Will new laws designed to keep them safe finally make a difference or end up making matters worse? Campaigner Ian Russell – whose daughter, Molly, took her own life at the age of 14 after being exposed to harmful content on social media – has criticised sites for still allowing a “tsunami” of inappropriate content to flood the feeds of young users. Meanwhile, critics say the Online Safety Act has gone too far in curtailing democracy ...

Aug 19, 202519 min

Why does Putin want Ukraine’s Donbas region?

Russia and Ukraine have been fighting for control of the Donbas for years, and it has seen some of the most intensive fighting during the conflict. But why is this eastern region of Ukraine, which borders Russia, so important to President Putin? Tamara Cohen speaks to our security and defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke and our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn, who's in Kyiv, about why this area is so central to a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Producer: Emma R...

Aug 18, 202516 min

Is Brand Beckham damaged by the Brooklyn ‘rift’?

Brooklyn Beckham renewed his vows earlier this month to his American heiress wife Nicola Peltz - her family was there but not his. It added to speculation that there is a deep rift in the Beckhams' relationship with their eldest child, after Brooklyn did not appear at any of the celebrations for his father David’s 50th birthday. Joining Niall Paterson to discuss whether this alleged rift could cause lasting damage to Brand Beckham are Clemmie Moodie, assistant editor at The Sun, and Mark Borkows...

Aug 15, 202517 min

How are Ukrainians feeling about the Trump-Putin summit?

Ukrainians are into their fourth year of fighting to defend their country from Russia, they have suffered huge casualties and are exhausted from the war effort. But does that mean they are willing to compromise to achieve a peace deal? And after President Zelenskyy’s treatment in the Oval Office, do they think Donald Trump is the right man to negotiate their future? Niall Paterson speaks to Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about her hopes for the talks in Alaska and also to Kyiv-based journalist Peter Di...

Aug 14, 202516 min

Is a degree worth it?

It’s results time for 700,000 A-level and T-level students. It’ll mean final decisions about their future – and whether university is the best option for their finances and their career. With the huge cost of a three or four-year course, squeezed graduate incomes and fast changes to the job market due to AI, is a degree worth it? Niall Paterson speaks to business and economics correspondent Paul Kelso about whether the cost of a degree outweighs its reward and just what has changed since Tony Bl...

Aug 13, 202516 min

Inside settler violence in the West Bank

Who are the Israeli settlers forcing Palestinians from their homes? Chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay has been in the West Bank, witnessing the Israeli settlers who are forcing Palestinians from their homes. He also sees how the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is protecting the growing number of Israelis claiming this land is theirs. Stuart meets one Palestinian man who left for work and when he returned home, he found it had been taken over by Israeli settlers. He also meets the settlers who say th...

Aug 12, 202518 min

What’s the evidence which Israel says links Anas al-Sharif to Hamas?

Anas Al-Sharif was one of five journalists among seven people killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza City. The five worked for the broadcaster Al Jazeera. Israel says Sharif was the head of a Hamas cell but has only produced limited evidence about its claims. Al Jazeera rejected the accusations and said the strike was a "blatant" attack on press freedom. On this episode, Niall Paterson and Sky News international correspondent Diana Magnay look at Anas Al-Sharif's career, Israel's claims and the...

Aug 11, 202518 min

Nicholas Rossi: False names, a fake death and the flight from justice

Arthur Knight was an Irishman, wrongly arrested – he claimed – whilst recovering from a coma in a Glasgow hospital. Except “Arthur Knight” didn’t exist. His real name is Nicholas Rossi – a convicted sex offender, originally from the United States, who is now facing trial in Utah on two further counts of rape. But for years, he attempted to convince Scottish authorities he was the victim of a wild conspiracy. Rossi’s extradition hearing was covered at the time by Sky News’ correspondent, James Ma...

Aug 08, 202525 min

Does Netanyahu want a 'forever war' in Gaza?

He’s been warned against a full military occupation by 600 former Israeli military officials. But after 22 months of war, that’s exactly what Benjamin Netanyahu wants. What would long-term occupation mean for Gazans, Israel, the Middle East and the world? What would it be like for those living in Gaza? Will the Israeli hostages be returned? And is there any other option in Netanyahu’s eyes? Niall Paterson is joined on the Sky News Daily by a Palestinian aid worker in Gaza and Professor Yossi Mek...

Aug 07, 202517 min

Where does ‘he said, she said’ charity row leave Prince Harry?

No evidence of bullying, misogyny or racism. On the face of it, good news for the Duke of Sussex. But there's still plenty of fallout from a very public row ignited by the woman still in charge of the charity set up by Harry in honour of his mother, that he's now walked away from. Earlier this year, Sentebale's chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, used an interview with Sky News' Trevor Phillips to accuse Harry of "harassment and bullying at scale". The prince strenuously denied those claims and has now ...

Aug 06, 202517 min

Why the wait for weight loss jabs on the NHS?

The "King Kong" of weight loss drugs, Mounjaro, should finally be available on the NHS. So, why are thousands of patients still waiting for a treatment that could transform their lives? Mounjaro was meant to be rolled out across the NHS in England from 23 June for those with the highest clinical need. However, a Sky News investigation has found it is only available in eight out of 42 NHS integrated care boards, prompting accusations of a "postcode lottery". Many providers will not make it availa...

Aug 05, 202516 min

Mis-sold car loans - did it happen to me?

If you bought a car as far back as 2007 with a loan organised through your car dealership, you could be eligible for a payout. The regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, is consulting on a compensation scheme - and it's thought up to 40% of motorists who entered personal contract purchase (PCP) or hire purchase agreements between 2007 and 2021 will be eligible for a payout. Niall Paterson talks to Sky's business correspondent Gurpreet Narwan about who might be eligible. He also speaks to Ad...

Aug 04, 202516 min

Peter Kyle: The making of a maverick minister

After doubling down in a very public row with Nigel Farage, Peter Kyle is the minister of the moment. In an interview with Sky News, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology caused controversy by suggesting Mr Farage was "on the side" of sexual predators like Jimmy Savile because of his opposition to the Online Safety Act. Mr Farage described the comment as "disgusting " and demanded an apology. But in a post on X, Mr Kyle went further, stating: "If you want to overturn the ...

Aug 01, 202519 min

Why aren’t parents getting their kids vaccinated?

Measles vaccination rates are at their lowest level in sixteen years in England and there’s fears that it’s led to a rise in the number of cases. According to the latest Government figures an additional 145 cases have been reported since the beginning of the month. It comes weeks after the death of a child with measles at the Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, a city with low levels of vaccination. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson talks to Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health at Great...

Jul 31, 202515 min

Are Trump’s tariffs destroying lives and livelihoods in Lesotho?

"Nobody's heard of it." That's Donald Trump's dismissive claim about Lesotho – a small country in southern Africa where lives are being devastated by the US president's decision. But what are the real-world consequences of Mr Trump's trade war? Trump's cuts to US foreign aid means people can't get access to HIV medication and costly tariffs is causing havoc to the economy – both of which are costing lives. Sky News' Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir has been to Lesotho to find out how decision...

Jul 30, 202516 min

Can anything stop the ketamine crisis?

Incontinence and chronic pain are just some of the life-altering effects caused by heavy ketamine use – which is at record levels. The drug, used in clinical settings as an anaesthetic, sedative and pain reliever, can create hallucinations in users. But those who become addicted to ketamine also face severe bladder and kidney problems. As the government considers reclassifying ketamine to a Class A substance, Shingi Mararike, our North of England correspondent, has been speaking to people suffer...

Jul 29, 202515 min

History Girls: How football came home... again

After claiming back-to-back European titles, the Lionesses are now the first senior England football side to win a major tournament away from home. The team had to overcome physical and psychological adversity throughout the tournament – from poor performances and penalty drama to a player being subjected to horrendous racial abuse. So how did inspirational manager, Sarina Wiegman, beat the odds once more? On today's episode, our sports correspondent, Rob Harris, relives the highs and lows of Eu...

Jul 28, 202519 min

Why is Lucy Bronze the Lionesses' golden girl?

33-year-old defender Lucy Bronze has been at the heart of the England team for over a decade, with 140 caps so far. She played a crucial role in helping the Lionesses win back-to-back European titles - somehow managing to play the entire tournament in Switzerland with a broken leg. Shirts with her name on the back are amongst the most commonly worn by England fans, a testament to her contribution to the growth of the women's game. On today's episode, Niall Paterson learns about Bronze's work eth...

Jul 25, 202515 min

Doctors strike – what's different this time?

The doctors' union, the British Medical Association, is calling for a pay rise of 29.2% to reverse "pay erosion" since 2008/09. The government has offered 5.4%. In previous strikes, around 1.5 million appointments were cancelled or rescheduled, but this time hospitals have been told to cancel non-urgent work only in "exceptional circumstances". In today’s episode, Niall Paterson talks to Sky’s health correspondent Ashish Joshi about how the NHS will deal with the walkout and also to resident doc...

Jul 24, 202518 min

How Ozzy Osbourne made Birmingham the birthplace of metal

Ozzy Osbourne made a musical genre. For millions of metal fans, Ozzy and Black Sabbath came up with the sound which influenced countless others. Heavy metal will always be linked with Birmingham – Ozzy's home city, where he returned to perform in early July. On this Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at how a working-class lad from Aston became a cultural icon and gave the city its own musical identity. Niall speaks to Sky News entertainment reporter Gemma Peplow who covered the "Back To Begin...

Jul 23, 202517 min

Why are far-right white nationalists on the rise in the US?

Warning: This episode contains themes of racism and homophobia which listeners may find upsetting. No gays, no Jews, and definitely no non-whites. It’s messaging that reminds us of a segregated United States – a time that apparently ended in the 1960s. But a community in Arkansas, called Return to the Land, wants to establish a whites-only town, and think they have the legal standing to do so. The group says it’s about freedom and community - but critics say it’s “pure white supremacist rhetoric...

Jul 22, 202521 min

Does water's 'Great Stink' moment pass the sniff test?

A critical review into England and Wales's broken water system has been released - and it says we are in the midst of the "Great Stink" of the 21st century. The report includes 88 recommendations - including a new single integrated regulator to replace existing water watchdogs, mandatory water metering, and a social tariff for vulnerable customers. In this episode, Niall Paterson asks Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso if after decades of ill-treatment, finally can new regulation bring our ...

Jul 21, 202519 min

Can Lamine Yamal handle the heat of stardom?

Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been flagged as football's next superstar. At just 18-years-old, he has already helped Barcelona FC to success in the Spanish league LaLiga and played a pivotal role in his home nation's triumph at Euro 2024. He's also been awarded the No.10 jersey, previously worn by none-other-than Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. But the early success has come at the cost of extreme scrutiny. Yamal's lavish 18th birthday celebrations were overshadowed by the threat of legal acti...

Jul 18, 202518 min
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