This Is Why

Sky 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 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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1,001 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes1001

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May 23, 2025 · 13 min
Targeted by Trump: Who is South African president Cyril Ramaphosa?
Donald Trump put his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa on the spot during his visit to the Oval Office this week with a list of claims about the deaths of white farmers - claims which Mr Ramaphosa countered and put into context. On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Richard Calland, a British-South African political analyst and author of The Presidents, From Mandela to Ramaphosa, to discuss exactly who Mr Ramaphosa is and how he will lead his country when it's in the cross hairs of the Trump administration. Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker
May 22, 2025 · 13 min
Crime and castration: Will government's prison plans work?
The government says it will accept the majority of the recommendations in the report it commissioned into jail sentences. The independent review, led by ex-Conservative justice secretary David Gauke, looked at how to reduce the prison population by 2028. One of its key proposals would see well-behaved inmates only serve a third of their sentences. It would include sex offenders who had agreed to chemical castration. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to political correspondent Liz Bates about what is in the plans and what the political ramifications may be for Labour. Plus, Professor Belinda Winder, who has been evaluating the government's chemical castration pilot, explains what the process involves and how effective it is. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
May 21, 2025 · 13 min
Warnings of Gaza famine: Will Israel listen?
Israel has stopped aid from going into Gaza for the past 11 weeks - a blockade that Sir Keir Starmer has called "indefensible". It allowed a limited amount of aid into the enclave this week in response to global concern but the move was criticised as "wholly inadequate". As some of Israel's allies in Europe and North America seem to be running out of patience with Israel, could this be a tipping point in the war in Gaza? Niall Paterson is joined by our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall to discuss the crisis in Gaza, and the international response. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Wendy Parker
May 20, 2025 · 17 min
Caught up in the crossfire: Reporting from an urban war zone
Rampant gang violence has surged in Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world, with authorities struggling to cope. Swathes of territory are under the control of rival armed gangs who carry out widespread murders, rapes and kidnappings. Our chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay and senior foreign producer Dominique van Heerden have been in Haiti, where they saw parents taking children to school approach a Port-au-Prince intersection as automatic gunfire bursts from the turret of an armoured police vehicle rang out. They join Niall Paterson to share their experience back in Haiti, what it's like covering warzones, and what’s next for the people of Haiti. Producer: Soila Apparicio
May 19, 2025 · 15 min
Starmer's UK-EU deal: What does it mean for you?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer today signed a landmark post-Brexit deal with the European Union. The deal has been lauded by the Labour leader as "a new era in our relationship...moving on from stale old debates" and "following through on what the British public voted for last year". His opponents are far from pleased, however, with both Reform and the Conservatives arguing that this sees the UK move back towards the EU and against the will of the people as voted for in 2016. Reform leader Nigel Farage has labelled the deal 'a surrender' to the EU by Sir Keir. But what is actually in the deal? What does it mean, and who stands to benefit the most from it? Niall Paterson and Sky News Political Correspondent Tamara Cohen unpack the seismic deal announced today in London. The pair look at the benefits for the UK in the deal. They also analyse how damaging some of the prime minister's concessions could be for the Labour Party, and how Reform could capitalise on this. Producers: Gabriel Radus, Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 16, 2025 · 15 min
Trump’s gift: Why is Air Force One so important to the President?
Air Force One, sometimes referred to the 'flying Oval Office', is seen as a global symbol of American power. It is for this reason, among others, that Donald Trump has come under fire for wanting to accept a Qatari Boeing 747-8 to replace the traditional presidential plane. But why is everyone so exorcised by the prospects of this new plane? Kenneth T. Walsh is a former White House correspondent and author of Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes who has spent over 35 years covering and travelling with the president. Kenneth joins Niall Paterson to discuss the significance of Air Force One, and memories from his trips on the plane. Producers: Gabriel Radus, Natalie Ktena, Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 15, 2025 · 15 min
Can Ukraine and Russia find peace in Turkey?
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of sending "stand-in props" to peace talks in Turkey after Moscow confirmed President Vladimir Putin would not attend. Zelenskyy had challenged Putin to meet him. But how are Ukrainians feeling about the prospect of a possible end to the war? Our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn is in Kyiv and joins Niall Paterson to discuss if the country is ready to find a peace agreement with Russia. Producers: Emily Hulme, Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 14, 2025 · 14 min
Trump’s deal with Syria, what it means
Donald Trump has met Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa - a former al Qaeda leader - during a tour of the Middle East. The US president said he is looking at "normalising" relations with Syria after lifting sanctions that have crippled the country for 25 years. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss how the meeting came about, its significance for Syria and what it means for the wider region. Producer: Emily Hulme, Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 13, 2025 · 16 min
Who are the gangs behind the cannabis home delivery service?
A Sky News investigation has uncovered the complex gang network using stickers on lampposts and e-bikes to expand their cannabis home delivery operation. Led by open-source intelligence (OSINT) producer Sam Doak and data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire, the team tried to track down and even went to the homes allegedly at the heart of a drug ring responsible for stickers found in a number of cities across the UK. On today’s episode of the Sky News Daily, listen to how the investigation exposes how dark web merchants are coming out of the shadows and into broad daylight and what are the police doing about it. Sky News contacted the National Crime Agency about our findings. They said: “Many organised crime groups selling drugs use social media and communication platforms to promote and sell their illicit produce," it said in a statement. “The NCA is working with partners across law enforcement and government to tackle drug trafficking." Producer: Emily Hulme and Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont Extra journalism: Henry Vaughan
May 12, 2025 · 11 min
Migration – Is Labour Reform-ing?
The prime minister today announced a plan to reduce net migration as he warned the UK risks becoming an "island of strangers". Sir Keir Starmer wants to bring in tougher English language tests and tighten overseas carer recruitment as part of his policy overhaul to “tighten up” the immigration system. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss whether this is a change in direction for the government after suffering losses in the local elections. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 9, 2025 · 17 min
Pope Leo XIV: Why it's significant he's the first American pope
Pope Leo XIV is the first North American to lead the Catholic Church. But he was not considered to be in the top 10 likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis, in part due to his nationality. There had been an assumption that an American pope would mean too much power concentrated in the world's most dominant superpower. So why did the conclave pick Cardinal Robert Prevost - and what does it mean for the future direction of the Catholic Church? To discuss this on today's Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson are Barbara Serra, who has been covering the conclave for Sky News, and Father Thomas Massaro from New York's Fordham University. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
May 8, 2025 · 12 min
Trade deals and interest rates - a good day for Starmer?
President Trump has called the US-UK trade deal "full and comprehensive" while Sir Keir Starmer said "it's going to not only protect jobs, but create jobs, opening market access". The deal comes as interest rates are now at their lowest level for two years after the Bank of England cut the base rate by a quarter point to 4.25%. The Bank also raised its economic growth forecast for this year. In today’s Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to business correspondent Paul Kelso about how good a deal it is for the UK and whether the reduction in interest rates will have more of an impact on the country's finances. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
May 7, 2025 · 12 min
The India-Pakistan conflict explained
India has launched missile strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a terror attack last month that India accused its neighbour of backing - which Islamabad denies. But the friction between the nuclear-armed countries isn't new. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson dissects how the world might respond to yet more tension in the region and asks why the conflict is centred around Kashmir with our defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 6, 2025 · 17 min
Reform flirts with loyal Labour voters – is it a winning strategy?
Reform is flirting with traditional Labour support - workers and union members. Ten local authorities are now controlled by Reform - including Doncaster, taken from Labour - plus three mayoralties and a new MP. After Nigel Farage's almost unbelievable success in local elections last week, is this the strategy to take him all the way to Downing Street? Niall Paterson is joined by our political correspondent Liz Bates, and reporter Alexandra Rogers, to unpick what Reform's flirtations mean for Labour. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 2, 2025 · 13 min
Will Prince Harry and the King reconcile?
Prince Harry has lost his legal challenge over the level of security he receives while in the UK and described the ruling as an "establishment stitch-up". He says the decision leaves him unable to safely bring his wife and children back to Britain. In a new interview with the BBC, the Duke of Sussex spoke about his estranged relationship with his family, revealing the King won't "speak to him". But could they reconcile? On today's Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet speaks to royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills about Harry's latest comments, the court ruling, and whether reconciliation with the Royal Family is still possible.
May 2, 2025 · 17 min
Kneecap: The Irish rap group condemned by MPs - but who are they?
Online videos of the rap trio Kneecap calling for the death of British MPs and shouting "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah" are now being investigated by the police. It comes after MPs condemned the group and called for arts funding to be removed and their invitation to play at Glastonbury withdrawn. Band members have apologised but have been cancelled by a number of festivals. So, who are Kneecap and why are they creating such a stir? Niall Paterson talks to Aoife Moore, journalist and author of The Long Game: Inside Sinn Fein. He also talks to Steve Cummins, former Ireland Editor for the NME. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 1, 2025 · 13 min
What is going on with the retail cyber attacks?
M&S has been targeted in a cyber attack which has left it unable to process online orders or take contactless payments. Some experts predict it could be costing the company millions of pounds each day. The notorious hacking group, Scattered Spider is believed to be behind the attack. A cyber security company has told Sky News the group is "one of the most dangerous and active groups" they are monitoring. There've also been cyber attacks against Harrods and the Co-Op which are being investigated? On today's Sky News Daily Niall Paterson talks to our science and technology reporter, Mickey Carroll, about Scattered Spider and what can be done to tackle cyber gangs. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
Apr 30, 2025 · 16 min
'Defiled and looted' - returning home during the Sudan war
Civil war has been raging in Sudan for two years. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has seen famine, destruction, and millions driven from their homes. Among them, the family and friends of our Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir. She was born in Khartoum and recently returned to her childhood home. Yousra joins Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily to share her assessment of what returning home, after it had been ransacked during the ongoing war, was like. You can listen to previous coverage of war in Sudan in our episode ‘The war nobody is talking about’ here. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Apr 29, 2025 · 14 min
Did Trump just win the election for Canada’s Mark Carney
Mark Carney's Liberals have won the Canadian election in a remarkable turnaround for the centre-left party. The Liberal Party was well behind in the polls just months ago. That's before Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as leader and US President Donald Trump soured relations with Canada, becoming the defining issue of the campaign. So did Trump just win the election for Carney - and what does it mean for future negotiations? Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway and Professor Drew Fagan, from the University of Toronto, who worked in the Canadian government for more than a decade. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Apr 28, 2025 · 14 min
Star behaviour – will the scandals ever stop?
A small number of BBC stars and managers "behave unacceptably" at work and bosses often fail to tackle them. That's according to a new report into the broadcaster commissioned by the BBC in the wake of the Huw Edwards scandal. In response, the BBC said it would introduce reforms. But will they work? There's been a long list of star presenters behaving badly and that's not just at the BBC. So, will these scandals ever stop? Niall Paterson speaks to Arts and Entertainment Correspondent Katie Spencer and Roger Mosey Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge and former director of BBC Television News. Producers: Tom Pooley Editor: Philly Beaumont