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 Yesterday

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Oct 19, 2023 · 17 min
The Israeli ground invasion into Gaza: When and how?
Britain’s prime minister says the UK stands with Israel in its “darkest hour” as he met his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. Rishi Sunak arrived in the country a day after US president Joe Biden apparently gave his backing privately for an Israeli ground invasion into Gaza in response to the deadly Hamas attacks on 7 October. On the Sky News Daily, Belle Donati explores what that could be like with former royal marine Rob Taylor, who runs a company training British and American soldiers in close combat, and former British military intelligence colonel Philip Ingram. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth
Oct 18, 2023 · 23 min
Gaza hospital blast: The battle to own the narrative
The Anglican-run al Ahli hospital in northern Gaza was bombed on Tuesday evening, claiming 500 lives, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Both sides in the Israel-Hamas war have blamed the other. It comes as US President Joe Biden lands in Israel to discuss the conflict. He appeared to back the Israeli military account that the blast was not caused by them. On the Sky News Daily, host Belle Donati hears from General Sir Simon Mayall, former senior adviser for the Middle East at the Ministry of Defence, to understand the military outlook on the ground in Israel and the wider region. Belle also speaks to Lishay Lavi whose husband Omri Miran was kidnapped from kibbutz Nahal Oz and taken to the Gaza Strip on 7 October. Plus, our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall updates us on the al Ahli hospital bombing and Biden's visit. Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Editor: Paul Stanworth
Oct 18, 2023 · 19 min
What do by-elections tell you about the state of politics?
There has been a wave of by-elections in recent months across the country - and Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig has been to most of them. In fact this Thursday sees Jon covering his 40th count for Sky News. He’s in Nadine Dorries' old seat of Mid Bedfordshire which could see the vote split 3 ways between the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems. On the same day, another seat held by the Conservatives – Tamworth – is up for grabs following Chris Pincher’s resignation over groping allegations. But what if anything do by-elections results tell us about potential general election outcomes? On a bonus episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson talks to Jon Craig about that, and his highlights of covering by-elections for so many years. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth
Oct 17, 2023 · 19 min
How to negotiate with Hamas | Biden in Israel
Hostage-taking has long been a feature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The latest – 199 people, as confirmed by the Israeli military, taken by Hamas include foreign nationals, elderly and children. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood speaks to one of the world's most experienced kidnap for ransom negotiators and author Scott Walker about what life might be like for hostages inside Gaza and efforts to get them back. Plus, Ali Bunkall explains what impact Joe Biden's visit to Israel will have on the conflict. Podcast producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker
Oct 16, 2023 · 19 min
Voice notes from Palestinians | What might happen to the 199 hostages
More than a week on since the Hamas attack that shocked Israelis and others around the world, thousands of Palestinians caught up in the conflict remain stuck in Gaza at its southern border with Egypt – as the threat of an Israeli ground invasion into northern Gaza looms. On the Sky News Daily podcast, Sally Lockwood speaks to former Gaza correspondent Nicole Johnston about who controls the Rafah crossing and the people inside Gaza she’s in contact with as we hear voicenotes from some of them. Plus, our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes talks about ongoing diplomatic efforts as Britons are among the 199 people taken hostage by Hamas. Podcast producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker
Oct 13, 2023 · 23 min
Gaza deadline: What happens next? | Antisemitism concerns in UK
Israel gave more than a million people living in northern Gaza 24 hours to leave their homes ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive in response to Hamas attacks. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood speaks to our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall about the deadline given to Gazans and Shaina Low, from the Norwegian Refugee Council, who talks about their team in Gaza. Plus, Sally is joined by our communities correspondent Becky Johnson to discuss concerns about antisemitism in the UK as some Jewish schools here decided to close on Friday due to safety concerns. Becky was also invited to Friday prayers as the British Muslim community in Birmingham shared their worries with her too. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker
Oct 12, 2023 · 20 min
Blinken backs Israel | Criminals could go free as prisons fill up
The United States has re-affirmed its support for Israel in the wake of the brutal attacks by Hamas, sending its most senior diplomat Antony Blinken to Tel Aviv. It’s his first stop on a tour of the Middle East, in an effort by the US to stop the conflict spreading. Mr Blinken indicated the US will back Israel’s bid to destroy the militant group but warned it must “take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.” Today, on Sky News Daily Tom Cheshire speaks with international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn from Jerusalem, about how big a threat escalation in the region is. Plus, Sky News home editor Jason Farrell and former prison governor Vanessa Frake-Harris look at the crisis in prisons, after news judges will now delay sending convicted criminals to overcrowded jails. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney Pead Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker
Oct 11, 2023 · 19 min
What is Hamas, and what’s happening in Gaza?
Israel’s response to the brutal attacks by Hamas has been swift and devastating. The two million people who live in Gaza are now under a siege - they are quickly running out of food and water. The one power station has shut down meaning an end to electricity supplies. Hamas has been ruling Gaza as a one-party state since 2007 and Israel has made it clear that it intends to wipe the group out. Today on the podcast, Sky News data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire discusses the scale of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, and Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall tells us more about Hamas and what comes next, as Israel prepares a ground offensive. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker
Oct 10, 2023 · 23 min
Starmer: Was that the next PM? | Israel’s retaliation
It started with a security breach covered in glitter, but in a major speech today Sir Keir Starmer unveiled his plan for Britain ahead of the next general election. The Labour leader declared his party would be “the healers, the modernisers, the builders,” promising to “turn our backs on never-ending Tory decline with a decade of national renewal”. But can he pull it off? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined in Liverpool by our deputy political editor Sam Coates, where they analyse what the Labour leader had to say. Plus, Niall talks to Professor Michael Clarke, Sky’s defence and security analyst, about Israeli retaliations in Gaza. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney Pead Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth
Oct 9, 2023 · 25 min
Israel-Hamas War: Explaining what’s happened and what might happen next
On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall to take a closer look at the Israel-Hamas war – including the Israeli reaction to the weekend’s attack and what it may do next. Alistair reports on the hundreds who’ve lost their lives so far and the questions being asked about Israeli intelligence. Plus, our deputy political editor Sam Coates on how the conflict is being discussed at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Alex Edden Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth
Oct 6, 2023 · 19 min
Labour’s by-election win and the road to the next election
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his newest MP “blew the doors off” as Michael Shanks won the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election with a swing of 20%. It was triggered after former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier was removed from her seat after breaking COVID guidelines. The win could have implications for the next general election. If the swing was repeated across Scotland it would see a rise in the number of Labour MPs from just 2 to over 40 and so a big boost to Sir Keir Starmer’s bid to enter 10 Downing Street. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies and Sky’s election analyst Michael Thrasher to dig into the result and look at how it may influence the political landscape in the run up to a general election next year. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker *Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurvey
Oct 5, 2023 · 20 min
Smoking ban plan - will England kick the habit?
The prime minister wants to stop younger generations from taking up smoking – by making it illegal for anyone born after 2005 to ever be able to buy them. Rishi Sunak’s plan – announced in his Tory conference speech on Wednesday – is similar to measures already introduced in New Zealand, aimed at tackling health problems related to smoking. But critics argue people should have the freedom to choose – not the state. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson explores the debate – both from a health and political perspective - as he’s joined by Deborah Arnott, from the public health charity ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), the Conservative peer and former health minister Lord Bethell and our deputy political editor Sam Coates. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker *Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurvey
Oct 4, 2023 · 24 min
Long-term, can Rishi Sunak make it a brighter future?
The prime minister closed the Conservative Party conference with a speech setting out his pitch for the next election, promising to reform A-levels, support the health service and crack down on smoking. He also finally confirmed that the HS2 link from Birmingham to Manchester is being scrapped and committed to spend the money instead on transport projects in the North. On the Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson, our deputy political editor Sam Coates discusses what impact the speech will have and also looks back at the conference and what it has revealed about the Tory party. Plus, from inside the conference hall, Niall grabs Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker, Transport Secretary Mark Harper, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and Claire Coutinho, secretary of state for energy security and net zero. *Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurvey Producer: Soila Apparicio Senior producer: Annie Joyce Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editors: Wendy Parker and Paul Stanworth
Oct 3, 2023 · 25 min
Conservative conference: Who's up for an election?
Rishi Sunak has claimed a general election is "not what the country wants" but insists he is unafraid of going to the polls. On the Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson, our political editor Beth Rigby talks about her morning interview with the prime minister. And Niall sits down with Katie Perrior, former director of communications at 10 Downing Street for Theresa May, and William Hague's former special adviser Chris White to discuss the election chances of the Tory Party. *Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurvey Producers: Soila Apparicio and Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth
Oct 2, 2023 · 27 min
Conservative conference: Tax, Truss, and HS2
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt held firm on tax cuts, despite growing pressure from his colleagues at the Conservative Party conference on Monday. "The plan is working and now we must see it through," he said in his keynote speech. The idea of a tax cut is dividing Tories – with former prime minister Liz Truss calling for the chancellor to "axe the tax". Hunt spoke as news broke that the northern leg of HS2 will be scrapped between Birmingham and Manchester. On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our economics and data editor Ed Conway, and deputy political editor Sam Coates to analyse the chancellor's speech, Truss's calls for tax cuts, and HS2 Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurvey Producers: Soila Apparicio and Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth
Sep 29, 2023 · 21 min
'Psychological torture': The row over never-ending prison sentences
Thousands of prisoners remain incarcerated on open-ended prison sentences under a now defunct scheme, known as IPP sentencing. The no-maximum prison sentences, some of which were given to offenders of low-level crimes, have been compared to ‘psychological torture’. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to Anthony Hipkiss who was in prison for 16 years despite only being sentenced to 15 months. He tells us how the strict licensing rules he has to live under for 10 years means he can’t even stay overnight at his partner’s. Plus, Ian Acheson, former prison governor speaks about how to fix a system of justice that keeps people indefinitely – even when they’re not a threat to society. While we've got you... please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey - click here. Producer: Alex Edden Podcast promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Editor: Wendy Parker
Sep 28, 2023 · 21 min
HS2: Is the UK bad at big infrastructure projects?
When it was first given the go-ahead back in 2012, Britain's new high-speed rail line connecting the south, the Midlands and the north of England was predicted to cost £32.7bn. Now, after delays and inflation fuelled by Brexit, Covid and the invasion of Ukraine, this figure is closer to £100bn. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also avoided answering questions on whether the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the route will go ahead, leaving the future of the project shrouded in uncertainty. So why was the initial cost estimate so different to what the final number will be? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson sits down with our business correspondent Paul Kelso to discuss the problems with the way the UK plans major infrastructure projects and asks whether any of these projects ever come close to what they are predicted to cost. While we've got you... please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey - click here. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Podcast promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Archive researcher: Simon Windsor Editor: Paul Stanworth
Sep 27, 2023 · 22 min
Consumption rooms: How much of a solution for Scotland’s drug problem?
Scotland will be home to the UK’s first so-called ‘consumption rooms’ where drug users will be able to get their fix more safely. Recent stats showed that despite a fall this year, Scotland still has the highest number of drugs-related deaths per million population in Europe. Now, plans have been approved for a £2.3 million facility at Hunter Street Health Centre in Glasgow – despite opposition from Westminster. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies who talks about the unit itself and reaction to it. Plus, Niall speaks to Andrew Cowan, whose son Daniel died after taking a fatal drug concoction, and Annemarie Ward, from the charity Faces and Voices of Recovery UK. While we've got you... please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey - click here. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Podcast promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth
Sep 26, 2023 · 29 min
Should we be taking the Liberal Democrats seriously?
The Liberal Democrats conference in Bournemouth saw leader Sir Ed Davey hinting that his party would be prepared to do a post-election deal with Labour to prevent the Conservatives from forming a government. Of the 91 seats in which the Lib Dems finished second in 2019, 80 are held by Conservatives. After recent by-election victories, could the Lib Dems be looking like kingmakers once more? To answer this question, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates who has been at the conference. And Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke looks ahead to the next election after her big by-election win in Somerton and Frome. Plus, Carol Vorderman talks about her message to the Lib Dem conference, where she called for electoral reform and tactical voting. While we've got you... please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey - click here. Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker
Sep 25, 2023 · 16 min
'I just want a normal life': How do we end rough sleeping?
Ian Harrison is 33 and has spent his adult life on the streets. He's among more than an estimated 270,000 homeless people in England. Sky News has been following Ian's journey as a government promise - to end rough sleeping by next year - looks in serious doubt. It was a target set by the Conservatives in their 2019 election manifesto - but a report by the Kerslake Commission is warning it will be missed, blaming "chronic and unresolved" issues in the housing system as it reports a 26% rise in rough sleeping compared with last year. The commission was set up in 2021 to learn lessons from the response to homelessness during the COVID pandemic - the same year, an estimated 741 homeless people died in England and Wales. Most were men and drugs, alcohol and suicide were the likely related causes. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood speaks to our producer Sarah O'Connell, who first met Ian when he was a teenager, to find out about the challenges he has faced over the years. Plus, Sally is joined by Emma Haddad, chief executive of the homelessness charity St Mungo's - the secretariat of the Kerslake Commission, as they discuss the wider problems and what they think is needed to end rough sleeping. While we've got you... please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey - click here. Podcast producers: Soila Apparicio and Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker