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
Updated Today

Episodes1002

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Nov 29, 2024 · 16 min
How a mobile phone brought down a cabinet minister
Louise Haigh has resigned as transport secretary after Sky News discovered she pleaded guilty to an offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013. She’s the first minister to resign from Sir Keir Starmer’s new Labour government and says she stepped down in order to prevent the story from becoming a distraction. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell, and political reporter Alex Rogers to discuss their scoop. Podcast Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 28, 2024 · 13 min
Life in Lebanon after the ceasefire
As the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah comes into effect, Niall Paterson speaks with Sky’s Jeehad Jneid who reports from southern Lebanon as millions attempt to return to their homes. The day after the 7 October attacks, Hezbollah began to launch rocket strikes into Israel in a show of support for Hamas. Israeli has carried out retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since then, and tensions escalated earlier this year following a strike on Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In this episode we ask what life has been like for Lebanese citizens in the year that followed, and whether the ceasefire can hold. Podcast Producer: Tom Pooley Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 27, 2024 · 19 min
Why Elon Musk wants people to have more babies
Elon Musk and Donald Trump have a plan for America... to get people making babies. The tech billionaire, Donald Trump’s soon-to-be government efficiency tsar, is a proponent of pronatalism, an emerging movement in US politics that says US citizens should be having more babies and that it’s their duty to do so. Niall Paterson is joined by our US correspondent Martha Kelner to deep-dive into Musk’s views and where they come from. Martha speaks to Errol Musk, Elon’s father, and one IVF doctor in America, who is expecting a boom in business. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 26, 2024 · 17 min
Why are women’s prisons "not working"?
"Prison isn't working" for women, according to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood. She told the Labour Party conference that after serving a short custodial sentence, women are more likely to reoffend than those given a non-custodial sentence. Women are also less likely to get a job after leaving jail than men. As the government launches an inquiry into reoffending rates, Niall is joined by Sky’s home editor Jason Farrell who has visited a women's jail to see what conditions are like, and hears from former inmate turned researcher Scarlett Roberts about her experience of rehabilitation in prison. In response to Jason’s reporting, Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: "For many women, prison isn’t working. Most women in prisons are victims themselves. Over half are mothers, with a prison sentence separating parent and child. “That’s why I am establishing a new Women’s Justice Board, tasked with reducing the number of women in prison by exploring alternatives to custody for female offenders.” Podcast Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth
Nov 25, 2024 · 26 min
Assisted Dying: What can we learn from Canada?
As MPs prepare to vote on assisted dying legislation, Sky News has been to Canada where wider rules were legalised eight years ago. Some 4% of deaths in the country in 2022 were with the help of a doctor, under the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law. In this episode, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s health correspondent Ashish Joshi, and hears from Canadians about MAID. Niall also talks Dr Ellen Wiebe, a doctor who has assisted in more than 400 deaths. If you want to learn more about the proposed legislation in this country you can read more here, and anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. Podcast Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 22, 2024 · 19 min
Gisele Pelicot and France's MeToo moment
Warning: This story contains references to sexual assault and rape. A woman’s decision to waive her anonymity and have a public trial after her husband drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her over a decade has reignited the MeToo movement in France. Gisele Pelicot has become a feminist hero after insisting that the trial be held in public to raise awareness, saying: "It’s not for us to have shame, it’s for them." Niall is joined by our Europe correspondent Siobhan Robbins to explore how the 'trial of the century' has unfolded and speaks to writer and MeTooMedia ambassador Benedicte Martin about what it means for women in France. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 21, 2024 · 21 min
The carer who was a fake
What happens when the care you trust isn’t care at all? When Sarah Whitaker hired a live-in carer for her 89-year-old father, she thought she was securing a lifeline. What she got was a stranger who could not cook, drive, and care – because she wasn’t the carer Sarah had booked. This bizarre and troubling story takes us deep into the cracks of Britain’s care industry, where an unregulated system leaves families vulnerable to shocking deceptions. Sky’s Nick Martin investigates how one family was duped out of £2,000, how they found out, and what it says about the future of "home-first" care in the UK. He joins host Niall Paterson alongside Tim Wilson, board member of the Home Care Association and managing director of Assist Care Group, a regulated home care agency, to discuss what the industry needs to do to improve. Producer: Soila Apparicio Additional research: Fiona Mackie Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 20, 2024 · 13 min
Why the inflation rise might not be as bad as you think
Rising energy prices pushed up inflation in October, meaning prices elsewhere will also rise. As businesses warn Labour's first budget could lead to further price rises and even job cuts, where does this leave Chancellor Rachel Reeves's plan for the UK to be the fastest growing economy in the G7? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway, who explains what's behind last month's inflation rise and why he thinks there could be some good news on the horizon. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 19, 2024 · 21 min
Is this the death of the family farm?
Farmers have left their fields for the streets of London to protest changes to the inheritance tax announced in the budget. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson heads to the protest outside Downing Street to speak to the farmers who are threatening to withhold food supplies if their demands aren’t met. He also asks new farmer Jeremy Clarkson about why he thinks farmers should have inheritance tax relief. Plus, business correspondent Paul Kelso breaks down the figures to show exactly how many farmers could be affected. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 18, 2024 · 13 min
Ukraine: Why is there talk of World War Three?
As the conflict in Ukraine nears its 1,000th day, the war could be about to shift. President Joe Biden's approval for Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia with long-range US missiles has sparked fears of escalation, with fury in Moscow. Vladimir Putin has previously called the move "an unacceptable red line", as Western leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the G20, weigh their next steps. Host Niall Paterson explores whether this moment marks a turning point for Ukraine, or the brink of something far worse. Ivor Bennett, our Moscow correspondent, and defence analyst and editor of The Defence Eye, Tim Ripley, join Niall to discuss if these missiles could change the course of the war. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 15, 2024 · 20 min
Team Trump: 'Great minds' think alike - but can they run a country?
Donald Trump has started to nominate who he wants in his top team. As well as billionaire Elon Musk, controversial Trump loyalist Matt Gaetz and nephew of former president JFK, Robert Kennedy Jr, are among the picks. Matt Gaetz is a Florida congressman and the attorney general pick for Trump. In February 2023, the Justice Department declined to bring charges of sex trafficking a 17-year-old against Gaetz, who has denied wrongdoing since the allegations first came to light. And as health secretary, Robert Kennedy Jr, or RFK Jr, is an anti-vaccine activist who has embraced a slew of other debunked health-related conspiracy theories, including the discredited theory that childhood immunisations cause autism. Our host Niall Paterson is joined by US correspondent James Matthews and Julie Tsirkin, NBC News congressional correspondent in Capitol Hill, Washington, to hear more about president-elect Trump's selections and why they aren't the most popular options. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 14, 2024 · 18 min
Why is the ambulance service boss having to say sorry?
A top ambulance boss has apologised after a year-long Sky News investigation revealed a culture of sexual abuse and harassment within the ambulance service. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky correspondent Rachael Venables who has been leading the investigation into abuse patients and staff in the service have faced and what is being done to restore trust in those who care for us. A spokesperson for NHS England said: “Any abuse or violence directed at NHS staff is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated, and the NHS is committed to tackling unwanted, inappropriate or harmful sexual behaviour in the workplace. We have recently introduced new national guidance and training that will help staff recognise, report and act on sexual misconduct at work to stamp out this awful behaviour.” For more on this story click here Producer: Alex Edden Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 13, 2024 · 18 min
Will Ukraine be Trumped?
On the campaign trail, Donald Trump vowed it would take him "no longer than one day" to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with Russia. Some in Ukraine worry this could mean having to give up land in the east, as well as Crimea. Mr Trump's announcement that Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends Weekend" co-host Pete Hegseth will become the US secretary of defence has also caused a stir given that, despite serving in the US National Guard, he lacks senior military or national security experience. Niall Paterson is joined by our chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay in eastern Ukraine, as he hears from soldiers on the frontline about how the fighting is going. And our US correspondent James Matthews talks to Niall about Mr Trump's latest cabinet appointments and what they say about the incoming administration's approach to Ukraine. Producer: Alex Edden Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 12, 2024 · 15 min
Lineker goes: Does TV still need Match Of The Day?
After 25 years, Gary Lineker is leaving the BBC's Match Of The Day. He'll stay on for the corporation's coverage of the FA Cup and the next World Cup - but he'll get his Saturday nights back from the end of this season. The change will likely help the BBC's presenter wage bill and might save some run-ins about Lineker's use of social media - but what about the programme he leaves behind? Sixty years after MOTD's launch, do TV viewers really still "look away now" to avoid the scores before 10.30pm on a Saturday? In the era of YouTube fan channels, TikTok accounts and wall-to-wall live coverage, is a set-piece highlights programme showing its age? Niall Paterson looks over the options for one of the BBC's biggest brands - how can it change for an audience falling out of love with linear TV without alienating other viewers? He's joined by our sport correspondent, Rob Harris, and Stuart Rowson, former BBC Sport exec who now works with brands to attract younger audiences. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth
Nov 11, 2024 · 14 min
Who will play climate good cop to Trump’s bad cop?
When Donald Trump was elected in 2016, attendees of that year’s COP in Marrakech said an “orange cloud” had descended on the talks. Eight years later, Trump has once again punctured the mood of this year’s climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. On this episode of Sky News Daily we explore what the next Trump administration could mean for climate progress with Alden Meyer, senior associate at E3G working on US and international climate policy and politics, who has been to every COP bar one, since 1995. Plus, Sky’s Tom Clarke, science and technology editor, joins Niall from Azerbaijan to discuss the significance of COP29. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 8, 2024 · 32 min
USA '24: Planning Trump’s America
As Donald Trump begins to prepare for his return to The White House, our US correspondents James Matthews, Martha Kelner, and Mark Stone reflect on his historic election victory. From criminal convictions to a defiant fist pump after his near assassination, it has been an extraordinary campaign for the president-elect. Having spent the year crisscrossing the country, the team share their most enlightening encounters with voters in the run up to election. They discuss how Trump was able to broaden his base and why two of the Democrats’ top issues of abortion and democracy ultimately fell flat. And ahead of his January inauguration, we hear what America and the world can expect from the first few months of a second Trump presidency. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 7, 2024 · 24 min
USA ‘24: Trump vs The World
It's back to the White House for Donald Trump in January after a decisive election victory. Less clear, however, are the global implications of Trump's return to office. Sky's US correspondent James Matthews presents this episode of the Sky News Daily from Palm Beach in Florida to explore what Trump's historic victory could mean for the rest of the world. With conflicts ongoing in the Middle East and Ukraine, Trump's agenda for US foreign policy is perhaps more significant than ever. International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn and US Correspondent Mark Stone join James to discuss. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 6, 2024 · 15 min
USA '24: What did Trump get right and Harris get wrong?
Donald Trump has done it again and won the US election. Eight years after beating Hillary Clinton and four years after Joe Biden evicted him from the White House, the former president is now the future president. It's a remarkable comeback for the man whose reputation was severely damaged after the violence of the January 6 Capitol riots back in 2021. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to Chris Jackson, senior vice president at Ipsos Public Affairs, about why the polls failed to predict Trump's resounding victory. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 6, 2024 · 16 min
USA ‘24: Trump 2.0
Donald Trump has won the 2024 election and has become only the second president in history to win on non-consecutive terms. US correspondent James Matthews presents this edition of the podcast from West Palm Beach in Florida where the Republican candidate addressed thousands of his supporters. James is joined by his US colleague Martha Kelner, who has followed Kamala Harris’s campaign all night in Washington. With Trump staging one of the biggest political comebacks ever, James and Martha look at the strengths and weaknesses of both campaigns and how the US will move on from such a divisive election battle. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth
Nov 5, 2024 · 29 min
USA '24: What to look out for tonight
On the final day of campaigning, our US correspondents James Matthews and Martha Kelner are with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on their final stops, both in Pennsylvania, and Mark Stone prepares for election night in Washington, DC. With last-minute pitches in battleground states and a whirlwind of rallies, the candidates push their final messages - Harris leaning on unity and star power, while Trump doubles down on his base, painting the opposition as a threat to America's future. James, Martha, and Mark suggest what to look out for as the night unfolds, including the pinch points and if the candidates’ final push paid off. You can join the team on Sky News throughout the evening. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont