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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

Should the police ban the use of AI?

A Sky News exclusive has found that at least 21 police forces in England are still using Microsoft Copilot, despite it being at the centre of the Maccabi Tel Aviv incident last year. In November, football fans of the Israeli team were banned from attending an away match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. West Midlands Police had determined the risk was too high. The resulting outcry – including from the UK Prime Minister – led to the force’s Chief Constable standing down. The force eventually ad...

Feb 24, 202613 min

Has drone dominance in Ukraine changed warfare forever?

Could the use of drones break the stalemate in the Ukraine war? Tomorrow marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion - and for most of this time, it has seemed there was no end in sight. However, technological developments have led to the increased use of drones on the frontline. How have these remote-controlled devices become the dominant weapon on the battlefield, and have they changed the nature of warfare forever? Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky's international correspondent Ale...

Feb 23, 202615 min

Why is the world’s gold under the streets of London?

Imagine being in a room surrounded by £64bn worth of gold. It’s a glittering reality Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway experienced in one of 12 huge vaults below the Bank of England. To be granted access to the vaults is incredibly rare, not least because the gold bars inside them has been skyrocketing in value globally. So why is so much gold just sitting under London’s streets? Who does it belong to? Ed joins Niall to discuss what it’s like to be in the vaults below London. Producers: ...

Feb 20, 202618 min

Andrew arrested: Can it get any worse for the Royal Family?

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday following revelations in the Epstein files. The former prince’s links with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein have been known for years - so has the Royal Family done enough to investigate any potential wrongdoing? Andrew has always denied any allegations of illegality in connection with Epstein. Niall is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills, to discuss the crisis and wh...

Feb 19, 202620 min

Is it safe to let out Britain’s most notorious prisoner?

Charles Bronson's ninth appeal to the Parole Board is being considered as the hostage-taking former armed robber continues his fight for freedom. The 73-year-old has spent 52 years in jail, much of it in solitary confinement and he and his celebrity supporters believe it is now time for him to be released. Niall is joined by Sky's crime commentator Martin Brunt who assesses Bronson’s chances of getting parole and reflects on his unlikely decades-long friendship with the violent criminal. Produce...

Feb 18, 202616 min

Lost Boys: Is demonising teenage boys part of the problem?

Boys are now falling behind girls in every metric at school. They're more likely to be out of work than girls, and they make up 98% of the youth prison intake. There are also 2.5 million children growing up without a father figure and this seems to be impacting boys much more than girls. But is part of the problem that boys are being told they're the problem? One headteacher is hoping his groundbreaking scheme of volunteer male mentors will help change that. Gareth Barlow is joined by Chris Edwa...

Feb 17, 202614 min

Should the UK be ready for chemical warfare with Moscow?

The Kremlin has denied using a dart frog toxin to kill Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2024. But Britain and four European allies say they have evidence that points to the use of the forbidden chemical agent. Why did the allies choose the Munich security conference to make this point? And how has Moscow responded to the claims? Gareth is joined by Hamish de Bretton-Gordon - former head of British Army’s chemical weapons unit - and defence analyst Michael Clarke to discuss whether Rus...

Feb 16, 202615 min

The teen who could lead North Korea: Who is Kim Jong Un's young’un?

Kim Ju Ae could be the next leader of North Korea. Despite only being around 13 years old, there are reports her father, Kim Jong Un, has handpicked her as his heir. So, what is known about the youngster who may become the next head of one of the world's most secretive countries? Niall is joined by Professor Hazel Smith, an expert on North Korea at the School of African and Oriental Studies. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Sam Gruet Editor: Piers Wisbey

Feb 13, 202613 min

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s apology: did he mean it?

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for his “choice of language” in an interview with Sky News’ economics and data editor, Ed Conway. The billionaire, who part-owns Manchester United, but lives in Monaco, said the UK is being ‘colonised’ by immigrants. His comments have been criticised by the prime minister and many Man Utd fans. Niall discusses with Ed Conway why an interview, which was supposed to be about chemicals, has caused such a fuss, and whether the apology was truly heartfelt. Producers: ...

Feb 12, 202618 min

Should the 'Suffolk Strangler' have been stopped sooner?

The "Suffolk Strangler" murders horrified the UK in 2006, as five women were killed in the Ipswich area. But should the killer have been caught years before? Steve Wright became known as one of the country's most notorious serial killers - and admitted last week to having murdered a sixth woman in 1999. Now, his only survivor says his victims might have survived if police had taken her seriously. Niall speaks to Sky correspondent Emma Birchley. Producers: Paul Wilkinson & Tom Gillespie Edito...

Feb 11, 202615 min

Inside Number 10: Can Starmer survive?

Downing Street is in turmoil as Sir Keir Starmer fights for his political life. Can he cling on to power? Niall is joined by Lord Barwell, Theresa May’s chief of staff during her time in Downing Street. He says watching current events play out is like post-traumatic stress disorder. So, what actually goes on inside Downing Street during a time of crisis? And is there anything the prime minister can do to save his job? Producers: Tom Gillespie and Paul Wilkinson

Feb 10, 202614 min

Will the Andrew claims overshadow William in Saudi?

**Since we published this episode, we've heard from Buckingham Palace about allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential documents with Jeffrey Epstein whilst acting as a UK Trade Envoy. "The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct," the Palace said** The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first public remarks earlier saying their tho...

Feb 09, 202614 min

Mandelson – the biggest political scandal since Profumo?

John Profumo was secretary of state for war when he had an affair with Christine Keeler, which ultimately brought down Conservative prime minister Harold Macmillan in the early 1960s. Parallels are now being drawn between the Profumo affair, and the crisis Sir Keir Starmer is facing over Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein. Not just because of the damage to his government but also in how the people at the centre of the scandals behaved as though normal rules did not apply to them. It's sa...

Feb 06, 202618 min

Has US star Savannah Guthrie’s mum been abducted?

The mother of one of America's most famous news anchors is believed to have been abducted. Savannah Guthrie is used to broadcasting the news to millions of people - but has now issued a desperate video appeal calling for her mum’s safe return. The story has captivated America - so who is Savannah Guthrie and what do we know about her mother Nancy’s disappearance so far? Niall is joined by Sky’s US correspondent and Trump100 co-host David Blevins. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor...

Feb 05, 202612 min

Inside a detention camp for women and children linked to ISIS

Northeast Syria is rapidly changing hands, and with it the country's fragile balance of power. The last time there was a power vacuum in the country, ISIS was born. Around 7,000 Islamic State group detainees held in prisons in Syria are being transferred to Iraq in an operation overseen by the US. But will the instability in the region affect that transfer and allow the organisation to regroup? Niall's joined by Sky's international correspondent Alex Rossi who has seen first-hand the conditions ...

Feb 04, 202616 min

Why is the NHS lagging behind on cancer care?

Half of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives, according to Cancer Research UK. And the speed of a diagnosis can often be the difference between life and death. Just a one-month delay can raise the risk of death by up to 10%. Yet in England, almost a third of cancer patients wait more than two months to start treatment after an urgent GP referral - twice as many as the target and a trend that’s getting worse. As the Westminster government prepares to publish its new 10-year cancer pl...

Feb 03, 202618 min

Andrew and Epstein: How will the royals respond?

It seemed inevitable there would be more damaging documents in the latest batch of the Epstein files relating to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Neither the former prince, nor the wider Royal Family, have responded to this most recent tranche, in which Andrew is pictured on all fours, leaning over an unidentified woman. So what else is inside the latest drop? What does it say about his relationship with the convicted sex offender? And how much further can Andrew fall? Niall speaks to Sky’s Royal Cor...

Feb 02, 202618 min

Will Trump hang on to Kristi Noem?

From 'Snow Queen' to 'ICE Maiden' - how did a beauty pageant-winning 'farmgirl' from South Dakota become the public face of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown? As the head of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem holds one of the highest offices in the US government - despite facing criticism after saying she shot her dog. But will Ms Noem's love of the limelight also lead to her downfall, following the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis by immigration officers she ultimately controls? ...

Jan 30, 202623 min

The terrifying online community targeting kids

An online network known as ‘The Com’ is targeting children and coercing them into acts of violence, self-harm and abuse. A new report has revealed members – mostly aged between 11 and 25 – are groomed into hurting themselves or others to gain social status. How worried should parents be and what are the signs your child might be involved? Niall speaks to Sky’s Adele Robinson following her investigation into the online group. WARNING: This report contains references to suicide, self-harm and sexu...

Jan 29, 202621 min

Do pubs have a future?

Pubs may have been given a discount on their business rates bills - but with many landlords still suffering a post-Covid hangover, does it go far enough? Last year, it was reported that eight pubs are closing in the UK every week - so can anything be done to save the great British boozer? And is the government solely to blame? After all, the younger generation now seem to prefer lifting weights over necking pints. Niall is joined by pub landlord Simon Wade and Kate Nicholls, chief executive of U...

Jan 28, 202618 min

Should Britain trust China?

Sir Keir Starmer is heading to China for what will be the first visit by a British prime minister since Theresa May went in 2018. He’ll be accompanied by a plane full of business leaders as he hopes to improve the UK's trade and economic relations with China. But the UK already has a huge trade deficit with China – so what might the prime minister get in return? The visit also takes place against the backdrop of his approval of the new Chinese "mega" embassy in London and allegations of Chinese ...

Jan 27, 202613 min

Can coppers cope with 'modern crime'?

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the biggest overhaul of the police service in England and Wales in nearly 200 years. Her reforms include reducing the number of forces, the creation of a "British FBI" and using data and AI to predict criminal activity before it happens. Some of this has been heard before - so exactly how radical are these reforms? And will they make forces fit to tackle the changing nature of crime? Niall is joined by Sky's crime commentator Martin Brunt....

Jan 26, 202616 min

Can the Peltz-Beckhams make a brand of their own?

Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham have been spotted in public for the first time since his explosive social media post about the rest of the Beckhams. Key to his complaint was how Nicola was treated by his parents - particularly at their wedding. David and Victoria have not responded to the claims but have been approached for comment. So who is Nicola Peltz and what happens next for the Peltz Beckhams? Niall speaks to the Daily Mirror's showbiz editor Amy Denman about Nicola Peltz'...

Jan 23, 202615 min

Is Trump’s Board of Peace just a power play?

In the same month he ordered strikes on Venezuela and threatened to seize Greenland, Donald Trump has been inviting countries to join his "Board of Peace". The US president and disruptor-in-chief has pitched the board as a mechanism to rebuild Gaza - yet its charter does not even mention the territory. Russia has been invited, while still waging war on Ukraine – so what is this so-called Board of Peace? Can it achieve a lasting solution for Palestine? And is Trump trying to replace the United Na...

Jan 22, 202616 min

Is a social media ban workable?

Teenagers generally hate being told what to do – as any parent who’s tried getting them off their phones can testify. The government is now considering a social media ban on children under 16 – but the move has had mixed reviews since its introduction in Australia. What lessons can be learned over here? Would teenagers simply find a way around the ban? And is there a better way to keep children safe online? Jonathan Samuels is joined by Sky’s tech reporter Mickey Carroll. Producer: Natalie Ktena...

Jan 21, 202611 min

David Beckham, Donald Trump – what are they doing in Davos?

It's where world leaders rub shoulders with billionaires while former footballers clink champagne flutes with film stars and tech bros. President Trump is the star turn at the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. But what exactly is the World Economic Forum? And what's the purpose of this glittering get-together of the global elite? Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky's business and economics correspondent Paul Kelso from the heart of the action in Davos. Producers: Tom Gillesp...

Jan 20, 202616 min

Has Trump and Starmer’s 'special relationship' turned toxic?

Is Donald Trump's threat to impose more tariffs on countries trying to block his plan to buy Greenland the last straw for the strained relationship with the UK? Sir Keir Starmer is walking a diplomatic tightrope - on the one hand rebuking the president for his threats, while on the other reiterating the UK and US remain the closest of allies. But could this mark a point of no return for the man once described as the 'Trump whisperer'? Niall speaks to the UK's first national security adviser, Lor...

Jan 19, 202618 min

Prince Harry vs The Daily Mail: What can we expect in court?

Bonus Episode: Prince Harry's final showdown with the British media is due to start this week. The duke is set to give evidence in court on Thursday in his case against the Daily Mail publishers. Harry, alongside a group of claimants including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Baroness Lawrence, has accused Associated Newspapers Limited of hiring private detectives to place listening devices inside cars and of accessing private records and phone conversations. Associated Newspapers denies all the a...

Jan 18, 202617 min

From Remainer to Reform: Can Jenrick and Farage really get along?

The reinvention of Robert Jenrick reached what could be a career-defining milestone after he was sacked from the Tory party and walked into the arms of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. The manner of his departure created a political earthquake - but his defection will surprise few who have been following his career. From his drastic weight loss to climbing lampposts with flaggers - who is Mr Jenrick and how has he tried to scale the political ladder? Niall is joined by co-host of Politics at Sam and An...

Jan 16, 202619 min

Is Antarctica a time bomb for Trump?

While the world's attention has been on Greenland, should Antarctica also be in the geopolitical spotlight? The US has been withdrawing its influence over the continent, allowing Russia and China to expand their presence. Meanwhile, Antarctica's vast ice sheets keep melting and its research community is in a battle against time to understand why it's happening so quickly. Sky's science editor Tom Clarke speaks to Niall about his recent trip to the seventh continent. Producers: Natalie Ktena &amp...

Jan 15, 202617 min
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