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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Mar 27, 2025 · 16 min
How will Trump’s car tariffs affect the UK? Ed Conway explains
President Trump has announced a 25% tax on all car imports and car parts to the US - they're due to come on 2 April along with tariffs on many other goods in what Trump is calling "Liberation Day". Rachel Reeves says the UK won't impose retaliatory tariffs yet, in hopes of a deal being struck between the two countries. Niall Paterson talks to Professor David Bailey about how British car companies will be affected, and also to economics and data editor Ed Conway on the wider implications of a potential trade war for the UK economy. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 26, 2025 · 18 min
Spring statement: Beth Rigby and Ed Conway on Rachel Reeves's changed plan
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set out her plans for the UK economy during her spring statement in the House of Commons. It came as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) - which monitors the government's spending plans - unveiled its latest economic forecasts. Liz Bates is joined by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby, and economics and data editor Ed Conway, to pick through the detail and discuss why the chancellor changed her original plan. Producers: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Mar 25, 2025 · 16 min
Trump's metal tariffs are already buckling the UK economy: Ed Conway explains
The world is bracing itself for what Donald Trump is calling 'Liberation Day' when on 2 April he's promised tariffs will be placed on most countries trading with the US. The UK is already feeling the effects of Trump's protectionist policies after tariffs were imposed on its metal industries. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to economics and data editor Ed Conway who has been travelling across the UK looking at the impact they're having so far. He visits an aluminium plant in Scotland and a stainless steel producer in Sheffield, both hit by the tariffs, but finds there is some hope for a tungsten mine in Devon. Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 24, 2025 · 15 min
The 'charisma battle' at the heart of the Turkish protests
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Turkey, following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu – the main rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Opposition leader Mr Imamoglu is a popular politician and is a 2028 presidential nominee – but last Wednesday he was detained and later formally arrested for corruption, a move he believes is politically motivated. On Sky News Daily, Liz Bates talks to Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford who has been reporting from Istanbul and meeting with protesters. She also speaks to Hannah Lucinda Smith, the author of Erdogan Rising: The Battle For The Soul Of Turkey, about who Ekrem Imamoglu is and what his arrest tells us about the direction President Erdogan is taking the country. Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth
Mar 21, 2025 · 14 min
How could a fire shut down Europe's biggest airport?
Heathrow Airport has been shut all day after an "unprecedented" fire hit a nearby substation. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the blaze, with thousands of people affected by plane cancellations and power cuts. On the Sky News Daily, Rob Powell talks to The Independent’s travel writer Simon Calder about how airports prepare for an emergency. He also talks to Sky's data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire about how one fire closed Europe's biggest airport and what lessons can be learned. Podcast producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Mar 20, 2025 · 13 min
Is the soft power of the royals more important than ever?
Prince William is in Estonia to visit British troops but also to show the UK's support for the NATO country which borders Russia. The King's invitation to Donald Trump to come to the UK for a state visit was seen as a key part of British diplomacy to keep the US president on side. And the King and Queen are due to go to Italy soon with a focus on UK-Italian defence co-operation. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills in Tallinn to discuss whether at this critical time the UK is deploying the soft power of the royals to make a difference. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 19, 2025 · 14 min
Can Adolescence change the rise of the ‘manosphere’?
Netflix’s hit drama series Adolescence has shone a light on the pressures faced by boys growing up today, and the rise in misogynistic violence that frequently hits the headlines. It tells the story of what happens to the Miller family after 13-year-old Jamie is arrested in a dawn raid for killing a girl in his class. Sky News' political correspondent Tamara Cohen and Labour MP for Darlington Lola McEvoy join Niall Paterson to discuss Sky News’ exclusive survey of a thousand kids aged 16 to 17 about what they see online. Is social media solely to blame? How should schools and parents be safeguarding young people? And what is our collective responsibility in tackling toxic masculinity? Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible
Mar 18, 2025 · 16 min
Inside Syria's prisons: Alex Crawford speaks to a British ISIS fighter
Sky News' special correspondent Alex Crawford joins Niall Paterson to discuss her recent trip to northeast Syria, where she gained extremely rare access to one of the main ISIS prisons under Kurdish control. It's a time of particular upheaval in the country - since the new regime took over in Damascus, ISIS attacks have doubled. Alex tells us about the British ISIS fighter she met in the prison - Hamza Parvez, the first Briton to openly declare he was fighting for ISIS in 2014. Alex’s visit forms part of a bigger conversation about how new president Ahmed al Sharaa is looking to make a deal with a patchwork of ethnically run territories in the northeast region, to join him in a united Syria. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Mar 17, 2025 · 13 min
Why is Labour sick of the benefit PIP?
The government is due on Tuesday to set out its plans to make cuts to the welfare system. One of the benefits targeted for £5bn worth of savings is the key disability benefit - Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Health Secretary Wes Streeting has told Sky News 1,000 people a day apply for PIP, but pressure from Labour's backbenchers could see plans to reform the benefit watered down. On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Paul Morrison, a benefits expert and policy adviser for the Methodist Church, on how PIP works and who is eligible. Political correspondent Liz Bates explains the challenges of reforming PIP. Podcast producers: Natalie Ktena & Rosie Gillott Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 14, 2025 · 15 min
Jonathan Powell – the UK’s bridge with Trump and Ukraine?
Sir Keir Starmer appointed Jonathan Powell to be his national security adviser at one of the most critical points in European security since the Cold War. He has spent years at the heart of government, helping to broker the peace deal in Northern Ireland and more recently the controversial Chagos deal. Now he is being credited with being the architect of the peace deal plan between Ukraine and Russia and the bridge between the Trump administration, Europe and Ukraine. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at the key role Powell is playing in working towards a lasting peace deal with political correspondent Rob Powell, and former national security adviser Lord Peter Ricketts. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 13, 2025 · 16 min
Will Reform's civil war hurt the party?
Reform UK has consolidated its gains at the general election, with recent polling suggesting that it is neck and neck with Labour and ahead of the Conservatives. But now a huge row has erupted between Nigel Farage and his fellow MP Rupert Lowe. Mr Lowe is currently suspended from the party after being reported to the police over alleged threats towards Reform's chairman. He has called the allegations "false" and says it's because he "dared to question Nigel Farage". On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what's behind the row and examines how damaging it is for Reform with Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig and Gawain Towler, the party's former director of communications. Podcast producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 12, 2025 · 18 min
The Danish group behind a children's home run like a cult
The Red House was a children’s home in Norfolk which took in hundreds of students in care from across the UK between 1984 and 1998. It was run by a controversial Danish group called Tvind, operating an unconventional education system - most students from the Red House left without any qualifications. Now, over 40 former pupils have come forward with allegations of physical and sexual abuse they say they faced at the home. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to correspondent Alice Porter about what has been uncovered, as she travelled to Denmark to track down the organisation behind the Red House and investigate claims it is a cult. And we hear from victims about the alleged abuse faced by students. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Mar 11, 2025 · 14 min
What the North Sea crash could mean for the environment?
More than 30 people have been rescued, and one remains missing, after a cargo ship struck an oil tanker in the North Sea on Monday. As one ship continues to burn, Niall Paterson is joined by our science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore to look at how the crash happened. Plus, David Craven, from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, tells us about the environmental impact the fire, and the leaking contents of the ships, could have on the birds, seals, and whales that live off England’s east coast. Podcast producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Mar 10, 2025 · 15 min
How will Canada’s new PM take on Donald Trump?
He's guided Canada through financial crisis and the UK through Brexit, but has no government experience. So how will Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, tackle what could be the biggest challenge of his career, defending Canada from Donald Trump? On today's podcast, Niall Paterson talks to our data and economics editor Ed Conway, who interviewed Mr Carney during his time as governor of the Bank of England, about the experience he brings to his new role. Plus, Catherine Cullen, host of the Canadian Broadcasting Company's award-winning political program The House, looks at the challenges Mark Carney will face as he heads into office. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Mar 7, 2025 · 11 min
Is Rachel Reeves giving clues about what's in the Spring Statement?
Sky News political editor Beth Rigby has been to 11 Downing Street to talk to the Chancellor for Electoral Dysfunction. Rachel Reeves reflects on her first few months in the job, and hints on what might come in her Spring Statement with some strong words on the need for welfare reform. You can listen to the full interview on Electoral Dysfunction here.
Mar 6, 2025 · 16 min
It's a critical time for the MoD - so who is Defence Secretary John Healey?
After just eight months in his role, Defence Secretary John Healey is dealing with one of the most challenging in-trays in the cabinet. He is meeting US counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington on Thursday, as he works to bridge the gap on how to reach a Ukraine peace deal. On today’s podcast, Niall Paterson talks to ex-armed forces minister James Heappey who worked with Healey when he was in opposition, and to Malcolm Chalmers who focuses on UK defence and security at the think-tank RUSI about the challenges the defence secretary faces. Producer: Soila Apparicio Assistant producer: Millie Gibson Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 5, 2025 · 14 min
Are there signs that China is preparing for war?
"If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end," wrote a statement by China's ministry of foreign affairs in Beijing yesterday, then shared by the Chinese US embassy on X. With the messy diplomacy of Trump's America and his impending tariffs on China, how will President Xi Jinping navigate the tit-for-tat on trade? More importantly, is he preparing for something much more dangerous? Nicole Johnston is our correspondent based in Beijing. She joins Niall Paterson to discuss. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Mar 4, 2025 · 13 min
Will we ever love Meghan?
The Duchess of Sussex’s new lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan is out now. It is part of the deal, reportedly worth $100m, Meghan and Harry signed with Netflix five years ago when they left the UK for California. The most recent YouGov polling suggests that neither Meghan nor Harry are popular in the UK, doing only better than Prince Andrew. Though it’s a very different story among young people where over half have a positive opinion of the couple. On today’s Sky News Daily Niall Paterson talks to Sky’s royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills, about what’s in the show and whether it’s an opportunity for Meghan to reset how she’s perceived both in the UK and the rest of the world. Producers: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
Mar 3, 2025 · 19 min
Can Europe save Ukraine? Michael Clarke explains how
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is back in Kyiv after three frantic days, during which he was ordered to leave the White House after a tense showdown with Donald Trump and his vice president JD Vance. He did, however, find a warmer welcome in London where he received a strong show of support from European leaders at a summit on Sunday. After the London summit, Sir Keir Starmer suggested European leaders would form a "coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine. Niall Paterson talks to Sky's defence and security analyst Michael Clarke to understand what that might look like and whether Europe can save Ukraine. Producers: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Feb 28, 2025 · 14 min
Unreliable Witness: Ellie Williams, and the other trial
At the height of lockdown, 19-year-old Ellie Williams claimed on social media she'd been abused and trafficked by an Asian grooming gang across the North of England. The rumours lead to attacks on Asian men and businesses in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. But then she was jailed for perverting the course of justice. It was a story Sky News’ home editor Jason Farrell, and specialist producer Liz Lane followed in depth, and our podcast series Unreliable Witness detailed what really happened to Ellie Williams. Sky News Daily host Niall Paterson is joined by Jason and Liz to discuss the latest twist to that tale. Listen to the full series and latest episode of Unreliable Witness here. Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence and sexual abuse. If you feel affected by the issues, you can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.