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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1,000 episodes
Updated Friday

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July 3 · 22 min
Why Burnham could get the Milibands back together
Brothers, rivals, cabinet colleagues? When Ed Miliband beat brother David to the Labour leadership in 2010, it looked as if their relationship had been fractured beyond repair. But it appears Andy Burnham is giving serious consideration to offering them both big roles in his administration. Can the Milibands really work together again in government after years of estrangement? Will it be senior women in the cabinet who are forced to make way for their promotion to power? And what does it say about Burnham’s political instincts that he appears to be so reliant on former friends from the Blair-Brown era? Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s chief political correspondent, Jon Craig.
July 2 · 21 min
Why grooming gang ringleader cannot be deported
He’s a convicted child rapist who’s been stripped of his British citizenship. But the ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang – released from jail this week – cannot be removed from the UK. Shabir Ahmed was sentenced in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12. But provisions in the Immigration Act 1971 mean he is safe from deportation. Politicians from all parties – including prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham – are calling on the Home Office to take action. But what legally can be done? And how does the law actually work? Niall is joined by lawyer, journalist and legal affairs commentator Joshua Rozenberg. Warning: today’s episode contains references to grooming gangs, rape, sexual abuse and coercive control. If you have been affected by any of the issues Joshua and Niall discussed you can call The Samaritans, free of charge, on 116 123. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
July 1 · 14 min
Why Trump’s Iran war is finally costing UK households
Whether you’ve been enjoying or enduring the summer heatwave, running that new air-con unit has just got a whole lot more expensive. For millions of people across England, Scotland and Wales the cost of household energy has soared by 13% from the 1 July – following the latest rise in the energy price cap. The war in Iran is largely to blame, thanks to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent spike in oil and gas prices. But Donald Trump’s military action began at the end of February, so why are we only beginning to feel the impact now? How long will the current high prices persist and are there any tricks for reducing those domestic bills? Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky’s business news reporter James Sillars. Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 30 · 17 min
Why Burnham’s housebuilding boom is doomed
Every prime minister promises ambitious plans to build new homes – every prime minister in more than half a century has failed. Andy Burnham says he’ll be different. The former Manchester mayor is on the verge of becoming the new tenant in Number 10 and wants to oversee the biggest council house construction programme since the post-war boom. But you have to go back to 1970 for the last time any government fulfilled its housebuilding target. So why is Mr Burnham so sure he can succeed where his predecessors have failed? Mhari Aurora speaks to David Byers, deputy property editor at The Times and Sunday Times. Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 29 · 15 min
Why British waters are less safe under defence drone plans
Drones in, destroyers out. The Royal Navy looks set to be the biggest losers when the Defence Investment Plan is finally published. Instead of building a new fleet of state-of-the-art warships, we will have to rely on cheaper ‘common combat vessels’ to serve as hubs for a hybrid response to the threat from Russia. How will the change in military spending be received when Sir Keir Starmer makes his international swansong as prime minister at the NATO summit? And could he really be the next NATO secretary general, despite a mixed record on defence readiness? Mhari Aurora speaks to Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes. Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 26 · 15 min
Why the King's tax return leaves unanswered questions
The King has revealed how much income tax he pays, becoming the first monarch to ever do so. The Palace said the move was “increasing transparency”, but have the royals given us the full picture? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock and forensic accountant Professor Atul Shah, who have been combing through the tax releases. They explain exactly what was revealed and address whether the numbers are as clear-cut as they seem. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
June 25 · 17 min
Why we're in the dark on defence under Andy Burnham
It's all a little awkward. Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver his defence spending proposals to NATO next month, despite having lost both his job and his defence secretary. But the outgoing PM seems determined to push through with his plans just days before Andy Burnham potentially moves into Downing Street. The man whose resignation helped hasten Starmer's departure - ex-defence secretary John Healey - recently held talks with Burnham. But what do we know about our expected new prime minister's position on military spending? Will he prove to be more of a hawk or a dove when it comes to the defence of the realm? Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell and military analyst Sean Bell.
June 24 · 22 min
Why is the UK feeling the heat more than ever?
When an event discussing extreme heat at London Climate Week is called off due to... extreme heat, you know things are bad. In the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, “London is cooking.” Yes, it’s summer and heatwaves are hardly a rarity. But as record temperatures in June follow record temperatures in May – it's the frequency and severity of these weather events that are frightening forecasters and climate scientists. With a rare red heat warning in place across much of England and Wales, hundreds of schools have closed, travellers have been warned to avoid public transport and there are threats of power cuts. But as our summers become ever hotter, are we doing enough to adapt national infrastructure? And why are politicians so hesitant to take transformative climate action? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 23 · 20 min
Why Brexit will define Burnham’s relationship with Europe
A decade to the day since the Brexit referendum, the European Union has postponed a proposed summit to reset the UK’s relationship with Europe. Following the fall of the Starmer premiership, Brussels will now wait and see what a new Labour leader – likely to be Andy Burnham – wants to achieve from any potential EU negotiation. But as every prime minister over the past 10 years has discovered, trying to reshape those relations from outside the union is fraught with political danger. Will a Burnham Number 10 seek to strengthen ties with Europe? Could he call for a customs union - and be willing to pay the price? And how will it be viewed by the Leave-supporting voters of Makerfield and the rest of the so-called “Red Wall”? Niall Paterson is joined by Anne McElvoy, executive editor of POLITICO Europe and co-host of our sister podcast, Politics at Sam and Anne’s. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 22 · 22 min
Why did Keir Starmer resign as Prime Minister?
It's become a familiar sight in British politics - the lectern outside 10 Downing Street, ready for another resignation speech. On Monday morning, Sir Keir Starmer became the sixth prime minister to stand down in almost a decade, despite on paper commanding a huge Labour majority. So, why was his departure inevitable? And what will be the Starmer legacy following his two years in office? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell.
June 19 · 19 min
Why Serena Williams is taking another shot at Wimbledon
Serena Williams has nothing left to prove. She's won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, inspired generations of players and built a legacy that reaches far beyond tennis. But after nearly four years away from the sport, she's returning to Wimbledon. So, Niall asks why one of the greatest athletes of all time is making a comeback. He is joined by Charlie Eccleshare, senior tennis writer for The Athletic, as they discuss what motivates elite competitors long after they've conquered their sport, and whether Serena Williams can still defy expectations one more time. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk. And if you wanted to watch Niall, check out This is Why on YouTube.
June 18 · 19 min
Why reopening the Strait of Hormuz isn’t as simple as Trump thinks
End the war, get the oil tankers moving, and the world’s economy returns to normal. It sounds easy. It really isn’t. Donald Trump and the Iranian regime have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the hopes of bringing the four-month conflict to an end. But the key objective of allowing global shipping to pass freely through the currently Iran controlled Strait of Hormuz is far less straightforward than it may appear. From the threat of minefields to a change of heart over military action, it could take months – if not longer – for the region to return to normal. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Sean Bell. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 17 · 21 min
Why are Russian warships in the English Channel?
"Just one of those things." A typically British response to an unprecedented act of belligerence. When Alan and Jane Kelvey took their yacht out for a sail across the English Channel, the last thing they expected was to be at the centre of a huge diplomatic incident. But when a Russian-flagged frigate fired warning shots as the couple sailed nearby, it was yet another sign of the breakdown in relations between the Kremlin and the UK. Was this an indirect response to the impounding of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker by British forces? Why are Moscow’s warships operating so close to the UK coastline in the first place? And is it another example of the Royal Navy's lack of resources? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s military analyst Professor Michael Clarke. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 16 · 21 min
Why the social media ban could affect everyone
It's not just teenagers having tantrums over TikTok, a social media ban for under-16s could have unforeseen consequences for anyone who uses the internet. The government's decision to crack down on everything from YouTube to AI chatbots was announced on Monday – but remained short on detail. How will any ban work in practice? Is this all being pushed through to provide a legacy for the prime minister? And will every adult user now have to prove they're over-16, with a potential impact on privacy and civil liberties? Niall Paterson speaks to the tech journalist and broadcaster Will Guyatt. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 15 · 18 min
Why Iran’s nuclear ambitions put peace in doubt
It was Donald Trump’s 80th birthday present to himself – announcing the US had finally agreed a peace plan with Iran. But is it really a done deal, especially when it comes to Iran’s nuclear ambitions? In fact, is it a deal at all? The two sides are understood to have reached a Memorandum of Understanding, bringing an end to the fighting and a start to 60 days of further negotiations. But whilst Iran has again reiterated its commitment to not produce a nuclear weapon, the future of the country’s uranium enrichment programme is far more vague. Will Mr Trump be satisfied his original war aims have succeeded? And what about the role of Israel in any longer-term peace deal for the region? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s International Affairs Correspondent Dom Waghorn. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk Introducing Sky News Insider! You can listen to Stuff Matters, Electoral Dysfunction, and Trump100 without ads, get new episodes early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, by becoming a Sky News Insider. Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over. Find out more and subscribe: https://skynews.supportingcast.fm/
June 15 · 15 min
Introducing... Stuff Matters with Ed Conway
LEDs were supposed to be one of the great environmental success stories: a revolutionary technology that uses a fraction of the energy of traditional light bulbs. But have they really saved the world? In our new podcast Stuff Matters, economics and data editor Ed Conway takes an object, cracks it open and reveals the world shaping forces hidden inside. Each episode follows a trail of ideas that stretches beyond the object itself, uncovering far reaching economic powers that shape how we live. Along the way, Ed meets fascinating characters, from brilliant inventors to Latin American revolutionaries. He dives into their personal stories and reveals how they’ve changed the course of industries and economies. Because when you look closely enough, even the simplest things turn out to matter more than you think. Follow Stuff Matters to never miss an episode.
June 12 · 20 min
Why Labour’s ‘Action Man’ Al Carns could challenge for No 10
He’s the former Marine who served in the special forces, climbs mountains for fun, and now could hold the keys to Downing Street. Following an astonishing interview on Sky News, Al Carns quit as Armed Forces minister over doubts the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan was going to be fully funded. It was yet another blow for a prime minister still reeling from the resignation of his defence secretary John Healey earlier on Thursday. Carns, nick-named ‘Action Man’ because of his military background, has already hinted at his leadership ambitions. Could he now potentially join the likes of Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting in challenging Sir Keir Starmer? Sky’s Mhari Aurora is joined by political correspondent Amanda Akass to discuss Carn’s career, and how likely a contender he is for the country’s top job. Have you got a question? Email the show – why@sky.uk
June 11 · 15 min
Why the US’s Iran-fuelled inflation is trouble for Trump (and the UK)
Americans are finally feeling the pinch due to Trump’s war in Iran, with inflation surging to a three-year-high. There’s no end to hostilities in sight, and with the Strait of Hormuz – which handles a fifth of global oil and gas supplies – still closed, it looks like prices will continue to rise. With any economic pain the US experiences amplified across the pond, how will the UK cope with yet more financial upheaval? Plus, what does this all mean for Trump’s presidency ahead of the mid-term elections in November? Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky News’s business and economics reporter James Sillars. Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk
June 10 · 14 min
Why Belfast’s troubled past made violence inevitable
The riots which brought mass disorder to the streets of Belfast on Tuesday night weren’t just a reaction to a brutal stabbing in the city the night before. According to Professor Ian Acheson, they were also an expression of the rage and anger felt by a divided community ignored by politicians and policy makers. The violence has been rightly condemned after houses were set alight and police cars attacked. But Professor Acheson – an expert in counter extremism – argues it shouldn’t come as any surprise that tensions over migration and social deprivation have once again boiled over. Mhari Aurora spoke to the author and journalist.
June 9 · 16 min
Why the UK has fallen behind on drone warfare
Swindon. The epicentre of the global drone industry? As unlikely as it might seem, the Wiltshire town could soon be just that. But instead of taking advantage of the cutting-edge weaponry being developed in the area, the UK is falling behind in the deployment of this potentially decisive technology. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have shown just how vital drones are in modern warfare – used as they are to such brutal effect on the front line. But while the US and Ukraine are buying British, the Ministry of Defence has yet to commit to large-scale investment in our own drone capabilities. So, why is the UK dragging its feet? And how vulnerable does that leave the country at this time of increased global volatility? Mhari Aurora speaks to Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes. Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk