A US clinic is offering would-be parents the chance to select traits like height and intelligence to "genetically optimise" their future babies on top of the usual screenings for hereditary diseases. Critics of the start-up company have questioned the ethics of this and experts in human genetics are also questioning the science behind it. Niall talks to Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke about what the concerns are. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Wendy Parker...
Nov 27, 2025•13 min
A £26bn tax rise, pension changes and an accidental OBR publication. There's a lot to unpack from the Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget. US President Donald Trump has responded to the shooting of two national guard members who were targeted near the White House. There's been a fatal fire in Hong Kong with 300 people still missing. And the Prince of Wales has told John Cleese his children have just discovered his hit 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers and "love it". Sophy and Wilf get you up to speed on ...
Nov 27, 2025•10 min
Will you be better or worse off than you were before Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced her tax and spending plans in her long-awaited budget? From the minimum wage and scrapping of the two-child benefit cap to ISA caps and tax threshold freezes, Niall looks at how the budget will impact you with personal finance expert Iona Bain. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Araminta Parker Editor: Wendy Parker
Nov 26, 2025•16 min
Tax rises are expected in the chancellor’s budget. But will Rachel Reeves break any manifesto promises? A leaked memo suggests only murder, rape and manslaughter trials will be heard before juries under a radical plan to clear a backlog of nearly 80,000 court cases. The Ministry of Justice says "no final decision" has been taken. And has the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer killed off the 6-7 trend? Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes....
Nov 26, 2025•11 min
Are you prepared to fight for your country? That's the question Emmanuel Macron will be asking the young people of France this week when he announces a plan to introduce voluntary military service. The threat posed by Russia and a US that has a questionable commitment to NATO means Mr Macron isn't the only European leader who has had to ponder such a move. Should the UK follow France's lead and introduce some form of military service? Niall is joined by former armed forces minister James Heappey...
Nov 25, 2025•16 min
The chancellor's called for unity among Labour MPs - 24 hours before she reveals her budget. Meanwhile, the prime minister's hosting a call between European allies to push for a better peace plan for Ukraine. Ofcom's brought in new guidance to protect women and girls online - but will it make those in the public eye feel any safer? And Max Whitlock - Britain's most successful gymnast ever - has come out of retirement. Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in j...
Nov 25, 2025•11 min
Is it time for an NHS screening programme for prostate cancer? The disease is the most common cancer affecting men in the UK and kills more than 12,000 men every year. A decision is expected to be made by the National Screening Council later this week. Now, former prime minister Lord Cameron has become the latest high-profile figure to reveal his own diagnosis and has called for a national programme to target the groups most at risk. But could an increase in overdiagnosis do more harm than good?...
Nov 24, 2025•17 min
Two days out from Wednesday's big budget, Sophy and Wilf talk through what they're looking out for. Ukraine peace talks in Geneva continue today. David Cameron reveals he's been treated for prostate cancer. And - a big London derby game ends in tears for Tottenham, as Eberechi Eze scores a hat-trick in a 4-1 win for Arsenal. Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.
Nov 24, 2025•10 min
She’s the Labour home secretary winning praise from the Tories and Reform UK – no wonder Shabana Mahmood’s crackdown on immigration has grated with some of her own backbenchers. But what is driving Mahmood's stance on small boats, and can her ideas land for Labour? Niall is joined by the former Conservative cabinet minister turned Spectator editor, Lord Michael Gove, who talks of his admiration for Shabana Mahmood. They also discuss her approach to politics and immigration policy as well as her ...
Nov 21, 2025•17 min
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he's ready to work on a peace plan put together by just the US and Russia. UK drugs could be funding Russia's war effort. Plus, energy bills will rise by 0.2% in January, 35% higher than they were before the Ukraine war. And the Ashes are off to a worrying start for England, but there's still hope yet. Anna Jones and Kamali Melbourne have the day's news in just 10 minutes.
Nov 21, 2025•10 min
It's perhaps no coincidence that Trump's latest peace plan has dropped just as President Zelenskyy is having to deal with the biggest corruption scandal his government has faced so far. The latest plan was drawn up in secret with Russia and depends on huge concessions from Ukraine. Joining Niall is our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss what's in the 28-point plan and whether a perceived weakness of Zelenskyy's position is why it has come out now. Plus, Jaroslava Barbieri, r...
Nov 20, 2025•17 min
Defence Secretary John Healey sent a direct warning to Russia after a ship was spotted off the north coast of Scotland. US special envoy Steve Witkoff's post on X has suggested the US and Russia may be forming a secret plan to end the war in Ukraine. And authors say they fear AI replacing them entirely. Plus - why are MPs reading dad jokes in the Commons? Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.
Nov 20, 2025•10 min
Defence Secretary John Healey sent a direct warning to Russia after a ship was spotted off the north coast of Scotland. US special envoy Steve Witkoff's post on X has suggested the US and Russia may be forming a secret plan to end the war in Ukraine. And authors say they fear AI replacing them entirely. Plus - why are MPs reading dad jokes in the Commons? Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes.
Nov 20, 2025•10 min
When a British father, Matt Jeffrey, was killed by a single punch during a stag do on the Greek island of Zante, two men were convicted. But now a Sky News investigation has identified a new suspect - a man who has potentially evaded justice for years. In this episode, Niall speaks to Jason about the devastating impact of ‘one-punch’ violence, the emotional toll on Matt’s family and the complexities of an international legal battle. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill...
Nov 19, 2025•16 min
Scotland have secured their place in the football World Cup for the first time in 28 years. In the US, politicians have voted to approve a bill forcing the release of files relating to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And we explain why President Trump's hosting of the Saudi Arabian crown prince is controversial. Plus, could the UK defend itself in an attack? A new report suggests not. Sophy and Wilf have everything you need to know, minus the doomscrolling, in just 10 minutes....
Nov 19, 2025•10 min
More than 100 companies are being warned by the competition watchdog in a crackdown on online pricing. If you’re not on your toes, it can be a tricky and expensive world to navigate for consumers at a time when money is tight and many are feeling the squeeze. Fortunately, the Sky News Money blog has launched its Consumer Rights Week - where the team is helping customers with disputes and offering tips to save your hard-earned cash. Do you know your rights and are you getting bang for your buck? ...
Nov 18, 2025•16 min
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood is defending asylum reforms some Labour MPs are calling "cruel and inhumane". Also, the UN has passed Trump's peace plan for Gaza. And the government is set to ban ticket touts reselling tickets way above face value. Sophy and Wilf talk about how that's happened following a Competition and Markets Authority report which said Ticketmaster "may have misled Oasis fans" with unclear pricing. Although not about reselling, it did lead to promises to make sales more trans...
Nov 18, 2025•10 min
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a radical overhaul of the UK's immigration system, by copying a model that has been seemingly successful in Denmark. That, of course, depends on how you define "successful". Although asylum claims are down, many feel the country's tough approach raises moral and legal questions. Labour hopes Denmark's tried and tested method will help it win over anti-immigration voters here, but what about the social and economic consequences? Is the Danish model rig...
Nov 17, 2025•16 min
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is announcing some of the biggest reforms to the asylum system since WWII. Trump has U-turned on the Epstein files, calling for Republicans to vote for their release. And house prices have fallen below their expected level. Sophy and Wilf explain the reforms, give their take on Trump and discuss why house prices are one to watch in today's episode of cheat sheet - all you need to know, in under 10 minutes.
Nov 17, 2025•10 min
Who is Sir Robbie Gibb and is he the most influential figure at the BBC? In a week marred by controversy, the organisation has seen the departure of two senior figures and has made an apology to the US president over an edited clip of a speech to his followers on 6 January. There are rumours that the BBC's director general and chief executive were brought down as part of an "inside job" centred around one man – Sir Robbie – a non-executive director at the BBC. However, a friend of Sir Robbie has...
Nov 14, 2025•12 min
Reports say income tax won't increase in Rachel Reeves's budget - but where will the chancellor find the money for government spending shortfalls? The BBC responds to Donald Trump's threat of a $1bn lawsuit as the US president's deadline looms. Plans are laid out for renters and landlords under huge reforms. And an intruder gets onto the Wicked 'yellow carpet' premiere in Singapore. He's been charged with being a public nuisance by a Singapore court. Anna and Kamali get you up to speed on all th...
Nov 14, 2025•11 min
A tricky week for Wes Streeting was eased ever so slightly by the news NHS waiting lists have shrunk – if not by much. But the health secretary will still be nursing his bruises a day after having to deny he was plotting to oust the prime minister. If he really is in the waiting room hoping to enter Number 10 it would help if his NHS record was given a positive diagnosis. Mr Streeting talks a good game – so what’s the true state of the NHS under his leadership? Niall is joined by former NHS Trus...
Nov 13, 2025•15 min
New emails and documents provide an insight into the relationship between Donald Trump and the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. He has repeatedly denied any involvement or knowledge about Epstein's sex trafficking operation. Meanwhile, research shows children are using e-cigarettes more than adults and are even skipping school to vape. And toy sales are up as 'kidults' buy Minecraft and Lego. Sophy and Wilf get you up to speed on all the day's news, in just 10 minutes. Tap to never miss an ...
Nov 13, 2025•11 min
Sir Keir Starmer is standing on the edge of a black hole. The budget is looming and Downing Street believes some of the prime minister’s own MPs may move against him if it is badly received. Much of the jitters within Labour swirl around the filling of a black hole in the public finances that may actually be self-imposed and self-inflicted. Niall is joined by our data and economics editor Ed Conway - who explains everything you need to know about a fiscal black hole that might not actually reall...
Nov 12, 2025•17 min
Nonita had a voice, but nobody heard it. Aged just 18 and in care, Nonita was hit and killed b y a moving train – despite repeatedly warning the professionals responsible for her that she planned to take her own life. Shocked by Nonita's untimely death, Katharine Bryson - a volunteer who had worked with her - became determined to find out who knew what, and when. What she uncovered horrified her – and it's a story the state never wanted to be told. Niall is joined by Sky's people and politics co...
Nov 11, 2025•21 min
The row over how President Trump was portrayed in a Panorama programme has proved to be a scandal too far for embattled BBC bosses. Director-general Tim Davie and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness have both resigned. Mr Trump's lawyers are demanding the BBC retracts the "false" statements in the documentary or face legal action for $1bn (£760m) in damages. Many will feel their departures were inevitable after questions over the way a Trump speech was edited sparked concerns about the corp...
Nov 10, 2025•16 min
A revenge record from the pop star Lily Allen has led to a storm of negative headlines for its alleged inspiration – her estranged husband, David Harbour. It’s unfortunate timing for the Stranger Things star – with the final season of the Netflix hit dropping at the end of November. As if that wasn’t enough, there have also been allegations of workplace bullying on the set of the show that made him a superstar. What does all this mean for Harbour? And will it affect the finale of one of Netflix’...
Nov 07, 2025•17 min
Have you been feeling a bit more right wing recently? If you're an avid user of X then it appears Elon Musk is trying to make that the case. For the first time, a Sky News investigation has uncovered how the social media platform's algorithm amplifies right-wing and extreme content. Niall is joined by Sky News data and forensics journalists Tom Cheshire and Kaitlin Tosh. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill
Nov 06, 2025•18 min
With the leaders of some of the world's most polluting countries - the US, China and India - set to skip it, is the COP climate conference irrelevant? The event in Brazil next week marks three decades of target-setting and financial pledges - yet temperatures are still rising and so are emissions. Were all those promises a load of hot air? Have dreams of net zero gone up in smoke? Niall is joined by our science and technology editor Tom Clarke who is at the summit. Producer: Araminta Parker Edit...
Nov 05, 2025•19 min
Fatal crashes caused by young drivers inflict untold suffering on survivors and the loved ones left behind. But what about the trauma experienced by first responders? They are part of the so-called ripple effect caused by the aftermath of tragedies on UK roads - and their stories are rarely told. Niall is joined by Sky correspondent Dan Whitehead, who spoke to NHS workers about their experiences. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Araminta Parker Editor: Mike Bovill...
Nov 04, 2025•15 min
