Podcast · News

This Is Why

by Sky News · English · News

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 compl

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 19 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 14 minNew

Russell Brand: On Trial – A New Podcast

In today’s episode of This Is Why, we’re introducing our new podcast – Russell Brand: On Trial Listen to Russell Brand: On Trial on your podcast app What happened on Russell Brand’s first day in court as the trial process got underway? Sky News’ Martin Brunt and Katie Spencer take us through the day- inside and outside the court. It starts with queues of journalists arriving early to get a seat on the press benches of court 3 at Southwark Crown Court. Outside photographers gather to get images of Russell Brand as he walks in with his wife. No broadcast cameras or recording are allowed inside…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

9 Oct 2026 · 30 min
Why didn’t Christa Pike die?
A notorious killer convicted of murder more than 30 years ago has finally faced the death penalty – execution by lethal injection. Except Christa Pike didn’t die. Investigative journalist John North was one of the few people allowed inside a maximum-security facility in Nashville, Tennessee, to witness Pike’s death. What happened next was one of the most extraordinary moments in America’s troubled history with the death penalty. Speaking to Niall Paterson, John describes in detail how the execution went wrong, why Christa Pike’s violent murder of Colleen Slemmer still resonates three decades…
8 Oct 2026 · 18 min
Why the UK is in trouble if the gas gets turned off
Taking a hot shower, heating your home, cooking dinner – all things we take for granted. All at risk. Britain’s gas storage levels are at a decade-low, while the UK’s largest storage facility faces closure as its stockpiles near empty. Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to constrain supplies and push up prices. And what if Donald Trump goes through with his threat to put "America first" and stop the flow of fuel abroad? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway, who was given exclusive access to a previously unseen emergency planning exercise – revealing…
7 Oct 2026 · 22 min
Why France’s school protests are a problem for president Macron
Imagine being tear-gassed and targeted with stun grenades – all for complaining about timetables, absent teachers and crumbling classrooms. That’s the experience of thousands of French students, whose initial demonstrations over high school conditions have evolved into a wider national protest across 40 towns and cities. Parents, teachers and a sympathetic public have all joined pupils on the barricades. But far-right groups have accused those on the left of politicising the movement. And while the use of stun grenades has now been suspended in France, the response from the police and…
6 Oct 2026 · 16 min
Why Trump is worried about Russia’s plague ‘lab leak’
In the 14th Century, the Black Death wiped out up to half the population of Europe. So, no wonder world leaders, including Donald Trump, are keeping a careful watch on a plague scare in Eastern Russia. One laboratory worker from a plague research facility in Siberia has died, with fears they may have been exposed to pneumonic plague – the most virulent and dangerous form of the disease. A further 200 people were placed in quarantine. With the Covid pandemic still fresh in people’s minds, what is pneumonic plague and how worried should we be about a potential outbreak? Niall Paterson speaks…
5 Oct 2026 · 22 min
Why Zack Polanski has been banned from Israel
Green party members have backed a motion that “Zionism is racism” at their party conference. It has exposed deep divisions within the party’s membership - with many long-time members saying they are considering leaving - and within the leadership. Four of the party's five MPs opposed it, and leader Zack Polanski put forward amendments to the motion that were later rejected. Israel has responded by banning Polanski, who is himself Jewish, from entering the country. Niall Paterson spoke to the chair of Jewish Greens and long-time party member Vivien Lichtenstein, who has marched against the…
2 Oct 2026 · 23 min
Why there are concerns over Sir Ranulph Fiennes' health
The sister-in-law of the 82-year-old explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes travelled from her home abroad to check into a care home where his friends believed he was staying. She managed to meet him and told Sky News how delighted he was to see her. It was a rare visit as his friends and family continue to raise concerns that they are being blocked from seeing him. Cheshire Police though have said "no immediate safeguarding concerns have been identified at this time". Niall Paterson spoke to Arabella Pepper, who is the sister of Sir Ranulph's first wife, about that visit last year. He also spoke to…
1 Oct 2026 · 20 min
Why do Man City think they can get away with it?
Guilty. The damning verdict in favour of the Premier League against one of its most successful clubs – Manchester City. The case concerned more than a hundred charges – from disguised funding to misleading accounts – with possible consequences ranging from points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League. But rather than backing down, the club has come out fighting – insisting an independent commission got it wrong and vowing to appeal. With City standing firm and the punishment still undecided, there could be a long way to go before the final whistle. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s…
30 Sep 2026 · 18 min
Why is Trump pulling troops out of Iraq (while at war with Iran)?
Since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than two decades ago, the US has had a near-continuous military presence in Iraq... until now. The last troops have been withdrawn, ending a process started by Joe Biden and endorsed by Donald Trump. But the timing of the departure has been questioned - with the US still at war with Iran. According to Iraqi security experts, the withdrawal could give Tehran and its proxies free rein, while also risking a comeback from the Islamic State terror group. So, why have Americans decided to leave Iraq now? And what will it mean for the future of the country -…
29 Sep 2026 · 15 min
Why reforming the pension triple lock is ‘electoral suicide’
It’s long been seen as politically untouchable – but Andy Burnham has finally fired the starting gun on reforms to the state pension triple lock. First brought in by David Cameron’s coalition government, the measure of increasing pension payments by the higher of inflation, average wage rises or 2.5% a year was introduced to offset years of underfunding. But the new prime minister has used his first party conference speech as Labour leader to put the triple lock on the negotiating table – against the wishes of the unions, opposition parties and plenty of his own supporters. So, how does the…
28 Sep 2026 · 16 min
Why the RAF Fairford 'plot' doesn’t add up
Who are you more likely to believe, Donald Trump or a farmer from the Cotswolds? Five UK nationals have been arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared at an RAF airbase in Gloucestershire over the weekend. But they were later released on bail, as counter-terror police remain “open-minded” about whether the incident is linked to a foreign state such as Iran. So, why did the US president claim the group had been “under investigation” for a long time – while a local resident insists she was the one who alerted the police after spotting a…
25 Sep 2026 · 17 min
Why is Ed Sheeran fighting for his reputation?
Ed Sheeran is used to thousands of people singing his songs back at him. But last week, he found himself addressing his audience in a very different way. After Macklemore left Sheeran’s tour following his comments about the war in Gaza, other performers on the bill also pulled out. Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia. Looking visibly upset, he addressed the crowd and apologised. But for a singer who has built his career on being the ‘nice guy’, can Ed Sheeran come back from this? Or has this controversy permanently damaged the image he’s spent years building? Niall Paterson is…
24 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Why is Diana book still on sale despite Piers Morgan mistake?
Recollection may vary, but the facts do not. That’s something that was lost on Princess Diana’s brother in his new book about his sister’s life - which managed to squeeze in a mistake about Piers Morgan amongst its bombshell claims about the King. The former Daily Mirror editor is now suing Earl Spencer and calling for the book to be pulped. So, what checks take place when a memoir is written? And why does the format allow people to publish unproven claims? Niall is joined by the journalist Helen Brown, who writes about culture for The Telegraph. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us:…
23 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Three reasons AI could ‘save us all’: This is why
There’s nothing like the warning of an AI apocalypse to ease you out of summer - but as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Of course, we can’t rule out artificial intelligence one day doing the unthinkable, as many experts have politely warned, but there are also reasons to believe it could actually save the human race. From breakthroughs in healthcare to helping tackle climate change, this episode explores how small steps for AI could bring about giant leaps for mankind. Niall Paterson reveals the reasons to be cheerful with Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke. For a…
22 Sep 2026 · 17 min
Why is Andy Burnham giving military support to Saudi Arabia?
It's been a busy week already for Andy Burnham - who approved his first military intervention as prime minister just hours before his inaugural meeting with Donald Trump. The RAF will now provide Saudi Arabia with "purely defensive" air support against attacks from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, after Burnham agreed to Riyadh’s request. The Saudis had earlier been turned down by Trump – so why is the new PM so happy to help? And is it really due to cost-of-living pressures as he claims? Niall Paterson is joined by Dr H A Hellyer, an expert in geopolitics across the Middle East and Europe…
21 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Why TV’s The Wargame exposes some uncomfortable truths
The new Sky Original TV series The Wargame imagines a terrifying situation – and not just because Michael Gove is prime minister. Vladimir Putin and Russia haven’t yet launched a military attack on UK soil, but the threat is rising. That’s why the show picks a fantasy crisis team of real-life former ministers and ex-military chiefs to see how they might respond to such a potential attack. So, what does The Wargame tell us about the UK’s readiness for all-out Russian aggression? Niall Paterson is joined by the former Labour adviser Baroness Hazarika, who plays the government’s director of…
18 Sep 2026 · 18 min
Why Diana’s brother is making bombshell claims about the King
Lots of people have fallen out with their brother-in-law over the years - but it’s perhaps never been as explosive as the row between the King and Earl Spencer. In the latest royal drama involving the House of Windsor, the Palace has hit back at claims made by Princess Diana’s younger brother in a new book about his sister. Among them is that the King was “giddily elated” after Diana’s death. So, what else is in Earl Spencer’s memoir and why is he making these bombshell allegations now? Niall is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock. Since recording this episode, Earl Spencer has…
17 Sep 2026 · 16 min
Why Canada courting the EU isn’t great news for Great Britain
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is looking for closer ties with Europe – but could an “associate” membership with the EU push the UK to the back of the queue? Addressing the European Parliament, Carney welcomed the idea of forming a partnership, which could potentially give Canada closer ties on trade, defence, and technology. The country is keen to strengthen its ties beyond the USA – with Donald Trump still intent on a punishing trade war. But what are the implications for the UK, as relations with Brussels continue to stall? What would associate membership mean? And could Canada…
16 Sep 2026 · 31 min
Chief of Defence Staff: Why this is the UK’s ‘most dangerous moment’
The country is under threat. Russian aggression, war in the Middle East and a military which has been ‘hollowed out’ for decades have all led to a crisis point for the United Kingdom. In a special episode of This Is Why, Britain’s most senior military official has explained why he believes this is the most dangerous moment in his 35-year career. In a wide-ranging interview with Niall Paterson, the Chief of the Defence Staff – Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton – has also revealed: How John Healey’s resignation as defence secretary took him by surprise The battle for more military…
15 Sep 2026 · 17 min
Why the Thirlwall Inquiry isn’t the last word on Lucy Letby
The case of Britain’s most prolific child killer has gripped the nation ever since Lucy Letby’s trial began in October 2022. The former neonatal nurse was later convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. Now, a public inquiry has found some of those deaths could have been avoided if safeguarding action had been taken to remove her from the ward. So, what else did the report find and what action might the hospital face? Niall Paterson and Sky’s chief North of England correspondent, Greg Milam, also discuss…
14 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Why has Donald Trump called for Irish reunification?
It was a hole-in-one for the republican cause – the US president using a trip to his golf course in County Clare to lend his weight to the fight for a united Ireland. The timing couldn’t have been better for the first ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as they met to discuss further cooperation in the campaign for independence. But despite Donald Trump’s insistence that he would “love to see” a united Ireland – even if that means the break-up of the United Kingdom – Westminster should not worry just yet. Niall Paterson has been speaking to Sky’s Ireland correspondent, Stephen…
11 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Why 9/11 has turned toxic for Rudy Giuliani and Zohran Mamdani
As America marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, a row has erupted between the man who led New York through its darkest moments and the city’s current mayor. Rudy Giuliani became the face of New York’s resilience following the fall of the Twin Towers, but he warned Zohran Mamdani to stay away from official memorial events. Mamdani, the city’s first ever Muslim mayor, ignored his predecessor advice – despite being compared by Giuliani to the al Qaeda terrorists who carried out the 9/11 atrocities. Is Giuliani’s ire racially motivated? What brought about the former…
10 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Experts warn AI could ‘kill us all’: This is why
Don’t worry, AI’s not preparing to wipe out humanity with a Terminator-style nuclear Armageddon – that's just not its style. But could it develop a virus that does the job instead? Well, that seems more of a possibility.... And speaking of odds, both former and current employees of tech giant Anthropic put the chances of AI ending all human life at roughly 10 percent. They only differ on the timescale. With seemingly no end to the breathtaking pace of development, is it too late for governments to intervene? And as experts increasingly acknowledge AI could cause existential change, how…
9 Sep 2026 · 16 min
Why does air traffic control keep failing?
Less up, up and away... more stuck on the tarmac. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded after yet another critical collapse of the country’s air traffic control system. While a cyber-attack has been ruled out, it’s still the third time in four years severe disruption has affected airlines and travellers because of problems at NATS – a public-private partnership and the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services. Why do these issues keep happening? Should the government intervene? And is it only a matter of time before passenger safety is…
8 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Why are NHS staff targeting terror attack victims?
Imagine your child has been the victim of a terror attack. Then imagine the most intimate details of their injuries being viewed and shared without your permission or knowledge. A Sky News and Health Service Journal investigation has uncovered the extent to which NHS staff are accessing patients’ medical records. High profile cases include the victims of the Nottingham and Southport attacks. But information was also accessed to carry out coercive control and domestic abuse. Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s health correspondent, Ashish Joshi, and Zoe Tidman – senior correspondent for the Health…
7 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Why anti-migrant protests are getting more ‘professional’
We have become used to seeing protests against small boat arrivals in the UK, but the speed and size of those in Dover and Portsmouth over the weekend felt like something new. The demonstrations were led by a group founded by Daniel Thomas - a friend of far-right activist Tommy Robinson - who described the protests as "only the beginning". Local authorities were seemingly caught out by events. So, will we now see more similar demonstrations? And what can the police do? Gareth Barlow is joined by Sky's Data and Forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire. Have you got a question for This is Why?…
4 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Why Farage is courting rising star of the French far right
Lots of 30-year-olds are career-driven, ambitious types - but perhaps none more so than French far-right politician Jordan Bardella. The sharp-suited, clean-cut leader of France’s National Rally party is tipped as a future prime minister – or even president – of one of the UK’s closest allies. He’s also been the star of the show at the Reform party conference in Birmingham – signing a deal on small boats with his admiring counterpart, Nigel Farage. So, who is Bardella? And why would a party like Reform – that denies being far right – consummate such a close relationship? Niall Paterson is…
3 Sep 2026 · 15 min
Why driverless taxis still need a human (for now)
Most taxi drivers tell tales about who they’ve had in the back of their cab. But how would you feel about catching a cab that doesn’t have a driver in the front? Autonomous taxis can now be ordered on London’s streets – in a move many would liken to something out of a sci-fi movie. In reality, the cars currently arrive with a human “safety” driver - but the plan is that fairly soon they won’t. So, how safe are these vehicles? And what does the move mean for real-life cabbies who might be fearing for their jobs? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s technology correspondent Rowland Manthorpe, who…
2 Sep 2026 · 18 min
Why borrowing costs are Burnham’s biggest problem
Governments often tell people to live within their means - but can the new prime minister? Andy Burnham will need to try hard after the UK's long-term borrowing costs reached a 28-year high. It's a serious headache for a prime minister who faced his first PMQs on Wednesday. So why are the costs so high? And how will this impact chancellor John Healey's first Budget next month? Niall Paterson sits down with Sky's economics and data editor, Ed Conway. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
1 Sep 2026 · 18 min
Why Germany's far right is on the verge of its biggest win since WW2
The leader of the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt has been called "the most dangerous man in Germany". Ulrich Siegmund, a 35-year-old former perfume salesman, is on course to be elected as leader of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. His victory would be the biggest win for a far-right party since the Second World War. So who is he and what does the AfD stand for? And what would a state election win for the party mean for Germany and for Europe? Niall is joined by Sky’s Europe’s correspondent Alistair Bunkall, who tracked down Siegmund at an AfD rally in Saxony-Anhalt. Have…

About This Is Why

This Is Why is a English news podcast from Sky News. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Sky News
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 19 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id951048357
Rights: Copyright Sky News

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