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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1,002 episodes
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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.
Feb 27, 2025 · 13 min
Why are asylum claims at the highest level in over 20 years?
Government figures released today showed that the number of asylum applications was at a 20-year record high but, for the first time since 2020, more applications were refused than granted. The data also reveals that the number of asylum seekers in hotels has gone up, but that the asylum backlog has gone down. Small boat crossings were up on last year but down on 2022. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire to find out what we learnt from today's figures. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Wendy Parker
Feb 26, 2025 · 15 min
More heat pumps, fewer kebabs. Is this the way to stop climate change?
Four in five cars should be electric and half of homes should have heat pumps within 15 years. That's according to the government's independent climate advisers, the Climate Change Committee. It says to reach the legally required "net zero" target by 2050 we will need to change how we drive, what we eat and how we heat our homes. Niall Paterson talks to Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke about how individuals can make a difference and what support they can expect from the government. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Feb 25, 2025 · 16 min
Trump wants Ukraine’s minerals: Ed Conway explains why
Donald Trump wants to do a deal with Ukraine which would see the United States get access to the country’s mineral wealth, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hoping for continued American military support in return. Kyiv estimates that about 5% of the world's "critical raw materials" are in Ukraine. It also has significant deposits of rare earth metals which are used to produce weapons, wind turbines and electronics. In today’s episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to Ed Conway, Sky’s economics and data editor, about how valuable Ukraine’s mineral wealth could be for the US. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Wendy Parker
Feb 24, 2025 · 16 min
Merz v Trump: Is this the start of a new Europe?
Germany is set to have a new chancellor, Friedrich Merz. From the conservative Christian Democrat party (CDU), Merz will now look to form a coalition government. The leader-in-waiting has made striking remarks in a post-victory speech, saying Donald Trump is indifferent to Europe's fate, putting the US president's America on a par with Russia. What does Merz’s tone mean for Europe? Niall Paterson is joined by our Europe correspondent Adam Parsons to discuss how the Merz-Trump relationship could work.
Feb 21, 2025 · 18 min
TRUMP100: Farage on Trump; Bannon on Johnson
This time on the Sky News Daily, we're handing over to another Sky News podcast - Trump 100. Mark Stone, Martha Kelner and James Matthews are dropping episodes at 6am (UK) every day to chart what President Trump is saying and doing in his first 100 days in office. They examine what the administration's approach means for the US and the world. On this episode, you'll also hear from former Trump advisor, Steve Bannon, and from Nigel Farage who has been in the US this week for the Conservative Political Action Conference. You can follow Trump 100 here: https://podfollow.com/trump100 Niall Paterson returns with the Sky News Daily on Monday.
Feb 20, 2025 · 20 min
Why is the far-right on the rise in Germany?
The far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) is expected to have its best election results since it was formed 12 years ago. It's currently in second place in opinion polls with one in five Germans expected to back it at this weekend's general election. It will not, though, be part of any coalition government as the other parties will refuse to work with a far-right party. In today's Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire discusses who is voting for the AfD and why, with our Europe correspondent Adam Parsons and Jakob Guhl from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue in Germany. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Wendy Parker
Feb 19, 2025 · 16 min
Starmer meets Trump - but how does he prepare?
Sophy Ridge guest hosts this episode with a look ahead to Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump next week. He was already going to have a tightrope to walk as the potential bridge between the new White House administration and an out-of-favour Europe - but how will the PM handle the President's comments about Volodymyr Zelenskyy? Joining Sophy is Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor of the Sunday Times. He's also co-author of the book `'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer'. They discuss how Starmer might handle the conversations, and what the PM's team is doing to prepare for the trip. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Laura Fitzpatrick Editor: Paul Stanworth
Feb 18, 2025 · 15 min
What next after the US-Russia talks? (And why was it in Saudi?)
Russia's foreign minister and the US secretary of state have met in Saudi Arabia for the first time since the war in Ukraine began three years ago, to discuss a Ukrainian peace deal. Why is it such a significant moment? With the meeting taking place in Saudi, and given their diplomacy in arranging the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, how has the kingdom under Mohammed bin Salman become a global power broker in President Trump's new world order? Tom Cheshire hosts today's Sky News Daily looking at what all the power players want from the talks. He's joined by security and defence editor Deborah Haynes and Dr Lina Khatib, associate fellow of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House, to discuss. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Philly Beaumont
Feb 17, 2025 · 14 min
Can we rely on Trump for our security?
As the US and Russia negotiate an end to what President Donald Trump calls a “ridiculous war” in Ukraine, Europe faces a critical question. Can it still depend on Trump’s America for protection, or is this the moment to have a massive rethink on defence – and can the UK afford it? Mark Austin guest hosts this episode of the Sky News Daily and is joined by former NATO deputy supreme allied commander General Richard Shirreff to discuss the future of European defence and what this means for Ukraine.
Feb 14, 2025 · 14 min
Ukraine: Trump wants peace - but what would it look like?
Donald Trump promised throughout his election campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine, now following a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is the conflict closer to ending than ever before? On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by Sky's International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss the fear among European allies about what the costs of peace in Ukraine could be. He also discusses what wider implications rewarding Putin with land could have on a geopolitical scale. Plus, Security and Defence Editor Deborah Haynes joins Niall from the Munich security conference to discuss what the reaction has been from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Feb 13, 2025 · 18 min
What is health anxiety and is it clogging up the NHS?
Latest figures show 73% of patients in England were seen within four hours in A&E last month - up from 71.1% in December - but still well below the NHS target of 95%. Doctors have told Sky News the winter crisis in the health service is being made worse by patients who are demanding urgent and immediate care when it is not always what they need. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by health correspondent Ashish Joshi to discuss what is behind the rise in health anxiety and he also talks to Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, about how to improve A&E waiting times. Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Wendy Parker
Feb 12, 2025 · 20 min
What do hidden documents tell us about Syria's missing people?
Two months on from the fall of the Assad regime, Syria is still uncovering the depths of the horrors inflicted on its own citizens during his rule. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay and senior foreign producer Dominique Van Heerden, who have been inside a notorious prison complex in Homs, near Damascus. They have been examining the hundreds of thousands of burnt documents left behind, which reveal the extent of Assad’s crimes. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
Feb 11, 2025 · 20 min
Thatcher’s Britain? The legacy of the most influential post-war prime minister
It is 50 years ago this week that Margaret Thatcher became leader of the Conservative Party and it’s a testament to her legacy that she’s being invoked by both Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch. When she became Prime Minister in 1979 she drove through radical policies like council house sales, privatisation and a crackdown on trade unions which continue to shape Britain today. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by Chief political correspondent, Jon Craig to discuss how Margaret Thatcher’s legacy is still driving today’s politics. Plus he speaks to Caroline Slocock, former private secretary to Mrs Thatcher during her final 18 months in office on what she was like to work for. Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Wendy Parker
Feb 10, 2025 · 17 min
Sweet FA: Does Plymouth prove there is life in the cup yet?
Arguably one of the best football sides in the world were knocked out of the FA Cup over the weekend by struggling Championship side Plymouth Argyle. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson is joined by sports correspondent Rob Harris to discuss whether bigger priorities are making these magic-of-the-cup moments rarer, as well as Joe Bell from the Argyle Life podcast – who saw it happen. Celtic fan Niall also has to mention the other big cup upset of the weekend and applaud the follow up to one of the greatest headlines of all time. Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Philly Beaumont
Feb 7, 2025 · 18 min
Will Trump make space great again?
The US is back in the race to the moon but this time, the competition is China. Determined not to lose, President Donald Trump is pushing for America to return to the moon, backed by billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. But as costs rise and delays mount, could the focus shift from the moon to Mars? On the Sky News Daily podcast, Tom Cheshire speaks to Science and Technology editor Tom Clarke and space journalist Eric Berger about the escalating price of securing America's place in the space race - and whether Mars could be the next "MAGA mission". Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont and Paul Stanworth
Feb 6, 2025 · 16 min
Why are South African HIV clinics closing because of Trump?
Elon Musk and the Trump administration have agreed to shut down USAID, the world's largest single donor to international aid programs, with thousands of staff being withdrawn as Mr Musk says it is "beyond repair". The decision follows a wave of government cuts since Mr Trump's return to office last month. On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire speaks to Sky's Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir - reporting from Johannesburg - where the effects are already being felt, as sexual health clinics are closing and life-saving HIV drugs are no longer available. Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Philly Beaumont
Feb 5, 2025 · 21 min
What does the Middle East make of Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' plan?
Donald Trump has proposed the US should take over Gaza and that the two million Palestinians living there should be resettled elsewhere. The US president argued that Gaza was a "demolition site" and that it could be turned into a "Middle East Riviera" under US control. His comments break decades of US foreign policy which has emphasised a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. They have been described as "dangerous" by multiple countries. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss the fall-out in countries in the region. Plus, Alistair Bunkall gives us the reaction from Israel and explains the significance of Gaza to Palestinians. Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Wendy Parker
Feb 4, 2025 · 16 min
How do you know you've chosen a good care home?
A Sky News investigation has discovered elderly people in care homes across the country are being left unwashed in soiled sheets, unable to reach food and water, and suffering falls when left alone. The investigation also uncovered huge problems with how concerns about care homes are investigated – and the way these homes are rated by the Care Quality Commission. On this episode, Niall Paterson speaks to social affairs correspondent Becky Johnson, who explains the issue of neglect at care homes and explores whether the system designed to support better care is broken. Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Philly Beaumont
Feb 3, 2025 · 19 min
How does Starmer keep Trump’s US and the EU sweet?
After having introduced trade tariffs on Canada and Mexico over the weekend, President Donald Trump is now threatening import taxes on EU goods. He has, however, said the UK would stay tariff free “for now”. Sir Keir Starmer says Britain won’t need to choose between the two, saying it’s important to work with both on areas including trade and security. On the Sky News Daily, Niall is joined by our deputy political editor Sam Coates and US correspondent Mark Stone to break down how Starmer might be able to navigate the push and pull between the EU and Trump, for Britain's economic future. Producer: Alex Bishop Editor: Philly Beaumont