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

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

1,001 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes1001

Newest first

May 12 · 17 min
Why are we addicted to changing prime ministers?
Keir Starmer is on the brink, as more and more Labour MPs and ministers call for his resignation – less than two years after he walked into Number 10. He remains defiant (for now), but whatever the fate of the prime minister, his predicament is one we've seen repeated over the past decade in a seemingly never-ending cycle of chopping and changing leaders. Since David Cameron's resignation in 2016 – after Britain voted to leave the European Union – no prime minister has served a full parliamentary term. Gareth Barlow speaks to pollster and founder at Merlin Strategy Scarlett Maguire about our impatience with politics and why the country feels ungovernable. Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk
May 11 · 16 min
Why replacing Keir Starmer isn't straightforward
Despite a disastrous set of local and national election results, the prime minister has vowed to carry on regardless. But dozens of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour MPs have now called on him to resign – or at least set out a timetable for when he will leave Downing Street. Surely choosing a replacement – or even triggering a leadership contest – should be straightforward? However, even though there are any number of potential challengers, the PM could well be safer than you think. Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent, Lucy McDaid, to discuss the Labour leadership election process, how it differs from the Tories and what needs to happen for Starmer to be ousted. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
May 8 · 16 min
Why is Sergei Shoigu being accused of a Putin putsch plot?
The annual Victory Day parade in Moscow will be a much smaller affair this year, without an intercontinental ballistic missile in sight. Why? Well, the threat of a Ukrainian drone attack is certainly one reason. But is there any credibility in reports of another threat - this time against Vladimir Putin himself? An anonymous European intelligence agency has claimed the Russian president is spooked over the prospect of a potential coup or even a possible assassination attempt. The alleged plotter is being named as former Putin ally and shunned ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu. But how credible is this report, and is the president's paranoia justified? Our Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett joins Niall to discuss whether Shoigu is really plotting to oust Putin, and what it means if the leader's grip on power is slipping. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
May 7 · 19 min
Why Trump's oil boom is bad news for the UK
The emergence of the United States as an energy superpower has reshaped the global economy. Good news for its allies, right? Well, not necessarily... In Texas, fracking has turned America from a major importer into the world's biggest energy producer, effectively creating "another Saudi Arabia" almost overnight. But as Europe looks to the US to plug the energy gap caused by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the reality on the ground is more complicated. Ed Conway, our economics and data editor, joins Niall to explore why the US can't simply ride to the rescue and what that means for the UK's energy security. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
May 6 · 20 min
Why the May elections matter
Millions of people are preparing to head to the polls across Britain on Thursday. They'll be voting for thousands of local council seats in England - while people in Scotland and Wales will elect members of their respective devolved parliaments. But the results could have a huge impact on national politics. So, what happens to the prime minister if Labour loses as badly as expected? And does a good night for the Greens or Reform UK really mean they are banging on the door of Number 10? Niall previews what to expect at the polls with Cathy Newman - host of the Cathy Newman Show on Sky News from 7pm on Monday to Thursday. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
May 5 · 14 min
Why Estonia is on the front line of Russia's rising ambitions
It's the small Baltic state that's no stranger to being invaded - having been occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. But while many hope it will never happen again, there are fears in NATO and beyond that Estonia is next on Vladimir Putin's hitlist. So how is the country preparing for the threat from Russia? And could Estonia really be on the front line of a future war in Europe? Niall is joined by the outgoing UK ambassador to Estonia, Ross Allen.
May 4 · 20 min
Why the United Nations is no longer fit for purpose
With conflicts continuing in Ukraine, Africa and the Middle East, the global economy being held to ransom and the old world order seemingly up-ended, is there any role left for the United Nations? Founded in the shadow of two world wars, the UN used to be considered the guardian of international law and order. But is it now little more than a toothless talking shop? Niall is joined by Sky News' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn to help answer a query from a listener on whether the United Nations still has any meaningful function in the modern world. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
May 1 · 18 min
Why is Anna Wintour the most powerful figure in fashion?
As The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in cinemas, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour is back in the news – but who is she? The sequel to the 2006 film is widely perceived to be based on Ms Wintour's formidable and abrasive management style. However, the world of fashion and the magazines that follow it has changed a lot since then. So, has she maintained her grip and influence on the multibillion-dollar industry? Niall is joined by Paula Froelich, senior story producer and on-air contributor for NewsNation, to discuss her life and career.
April 30 · 14 min
Why airlines have been cancelling flights
The war in Iran has led to fears of food shortages and fuelled forecourt price hikes – but is your summer holiday also in jeopardy? The price of jet fuel has soared higher than any other oil product, including petrol, since the Middle East conflict led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It means major airlines – including Qatar, Etihad and Lufthansa – have started cancelling flights. So how worried should you be about your summer holiday abroad? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
April 29 · 16 min
Why soldiers should take MDMA to treat trauma
The party drug ecstasy is usually associated with packed nightclubs and panicked politicians talking about the dangers involved in taking it. However, a former head of the UK’s armed forces believes the drug’s active ingredient, known as MDMA, could be key to treating veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. General Sir Nick Carter is now calling on the government to relax restrictions in order to reduce the crippling cost of clinical trials. What evidence is there to suggest this treatment could be effective and what’s been the reaction from the few former soldiers who have benefitted so far? Niall is joined by Sky’s science correspondent Thomas Moore. Warning: Contains references to drug taking, depression and suicide. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 28 · 17 min
Why Iranian networks could be recruiting Brits for terror
Iranian intelligence services are suspected of actively recruiting in the UK, using AI and social networks to entice potential sign-ups. Sky News has uncovered evidence of how apparent Iranian networks are using the chat platform Telegram to target recruits. It follows an increase in attacks on Jewish communities across the UK – with authorities suggesting that some perpetrators may have been taking orders from Tehran. But why might petty crooks or youngsters be tempted to become involved? How worried should we be about their activities? And what level of threat does Iran pose here in the UK? Niall is joined by Sky New’s Home Editor Jason Farrell, whose producer infiltrated a suspected Iranian intelligence account. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 27 · 14 min
Why keeping the King safe is Trump's top priority
Why keeping the King safe is Trump's top priority King Charles's trip to the USA is still going ahead, despite a gunman attempting to storm a dinner attended by President Trump on Saturday night. It's the first state visit to the country by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. Charles is also due to emulate his mother by addressing Congress. Officials from both sides of the Atlantic are working closely on security arrangements. But has the tour been compromised by the assassination attempt? And what does it take to protect a head of state? Niall speaks to Dai Davies, a former head of Scotland Yard's Royal Protection Command. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 24 · 15 min
Why King Charles can save the special relationship
Donald Trump is preparing to roll out the red carpet for the King’s all-American state visit next week – despite the fact the US president has been highly critical of the UK over its refusal to join the war in Iran. Trump’s public rebukes for Sir Keir Starmer, Britain’s armed forces and even Prince Harry have put the so-called special relationship under greater strain than ever. So, can the King use all his diplomatic and “soft power” skills to save it? Niall is joined by royal commentator Robert Jobson. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 23 · 17 min
Why Harry’s picking a fight with Putin and Trump on Ukraine
Prince Harry has warned the world not to grow “numb” to Russia’s war in Ukraine during a surprise visit to Kyiv. The former British army captain also called on the “American leadership” to honour its international obligations, a thinly-veiled swipe at Donald Trump. The fighting rages on in Ukraine, while much of the world’s attention is focused on the war on Iran. The US has been a key backer of Kyiv but is now distracted by a conflict of its own. So, what is going on in Ukraine and what are the UK and Europe doing to help? Niall is joined by Sky’s military analyst Sean Bell. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
April 22 · 15 min
Why the dangers of Mythos AI may be a myth
AI giant Anthropic has chosen not to release its latest model, Mythos Preview, to the public. The product was pulled after testing showed its unprecedented strengths in hacking. Instead, Mythos has been made available to a small number of big tech companies including Amazon and Microsoft to help protect their software, rather than pick it apart. So, has the day arrived which many have feared – where AI could change the world as we know it? Or are the scare stories around Mythos merely a myth? Niall is joined by Rowland Manthorpe, technology correspondent at Sky News, to discuss the potential dangers as well as how safe the UK is from the threat of AI. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
April 21 · 17 min
Why the government's civil war with the civil service matters
Sir Keir Starmer's relationship with the civil service has broken down following the sacking of Sir Olly Robbins. The former top civil servant at the Foreign Office told parliament there was a "dismissive approach" to security vetting from No 10, but the prime minister maintains it was Robbins who made "an error of judgement". So, what's at stake when the inner workings of government grind to a halt? Lord Peter Ricketts, who is also a former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, joins Niall to discuss what happens when things go wrong and whether Starmer can repair relations with the civil servants who deliver his mandate, before it's too late. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 20 · 19 min
Why Cuba is collapsing under Trump’s blockade
First it was Venezuela, then Iran. Is Cuba next on Donald Trump's hit list? The US navy has been anchored off the Caribbean coast since the start of the year, preventing supplies of oil and food from the outside world. As a consequence, the island has been brought to its knees - with electrical blackouts, food rationing and fears for the future. Sky News chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay joins Niall to discuss life under the blockade in Havana and what fate awaits the nation, as President Trump threatens military intervention. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 17 · 16 min
Why Mandelson is causing more problems for Starmer
Top civil servant Olly Robbins has been sacked after his department did not inform the prime minister that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting for the role of US ambassador. Opposition parties are calling on the prime minister to resign but Sir Keir Starmer is insisting he wasn’t told, in an "unforgivable" omission. He's due to speak to MPs in parliament on Monday, and address the accusations he misled them over the process of Mandelson’s appointment. But who is Olly Robbins, the man who has lost his job over the latest Mandelson revelation and is he being used as a fall guy? And how toxic will the row be for Sir Keir? Niall talks to hosts of fellow Sky podcast Politics at Sam and Anne’s, Anne McElvoy, executive editor at Politico and Sky’s deputy political editor, Sam Coates. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 16 · 17 min
Why the era of Saudi “sportswashing” could be over
A multi-billion-dollar Saudi-backed golf tour is reportedly close to collapse – so could this spell an end to the Gulf state’s interest in sport? The controversial LIV Golf Tour is just one strand of the Saudis’ sporting portfolio. Footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays there, while the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) also owns English Premier League team, Newcastle United. But the PIF - which has plunged $5b into the LIV project - has a new five-year economic strategy that includes no mention of sport. Having been accused of using sport as a political tool to legitimise the Saudi regime, what led to this apparent change of strategy? Sky News’ sports correspondent Rob Harris joins Niall to discuss what it means for the future of Saudi sport. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
April 15 · 19 min
Why NATO has to prepare for life without Trump
Another night, another post on Truth Social from Donald Trump criticising NATO. As other leaders try to persuade him to stay in the alliance, plans are being prepared in case the US goes through with its threat to walk away. At the same time, the UK government is in a muddle on defence spending – with criticism from current and former military chiefs - but no decisions yet on how and when to boost budgets. Niall and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke debrief on what a post-Trump NATO might look like. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk