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

Jun 11, 2023 · 22 min
Boris Johnson goes. How do Rishi Sunak and the Tories react?
Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell and chief political correspondent Jon Craig discuss the fallout from Boris Johnson’s decision to step down as an MP. He’s forced one of three by-elections after close Conservative colleagues Nadine Dorries and Nigel Adams also decided to leave the Commons immediately. Rob and Jon consider how Rishi Sunak and his party will react to the prospect of the by-elections and what this moment could mean for uniting – or further dividing – the Conservative benches. They also discuss the report from the Commons Privileges Committee which might have been the catalyst for the former PM’s resignation. Producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Paul Stanworth
Jun 8, 2023 · 17 min
Is the Nova Kakhovka dam breach the most significant moment in the war so far?
Thousands of people have been evacuated after a dam in the Russian-occupied Kherson region of Ukraine was breached on Tuesday. International intelligence organisations believe it is most likely the dam was deliberately targeted by Russian forces in an attempt to delay Ukraine’s expected counteroffensive. NATO’s secretary general has said the move demonstrates Russia’s brutality. But Moscow denies being responsible for the damage to the dam. It insists Ukraine is to blame. On the Sky News Daily, Kimberley Leonard is joined by our international correspondent John Sparks, and Sean Bell, military analyst and former Air Vice-Marshal, to discuss the implications of the dam breach for the course of the war.
Jun 7, 2023 · 19 min
Harry v Daily Mirror publisher: Day three and what happens next
Prince Harry has finished making his case to a High Court judge after another day of cross-examination by Andrew Green, the KC representing the Daily Mirror’s publishers. On the Sky News Daily, Kimberley Leonard is joined by our royal correspondent Laura Bundock, media lawyer Jonathan Coad and Sky reporter Sarah Hajibagheri, who has spent the day reporting from inside court. The Duke of Sussex became the first senior royal to take the witness box for more than 130 years this week, as he claims information in stories that featured across their titles were obtained illegally. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Sydney Pead – podcast producer Paul Stanworth - editor
Jun 6, 2023 · 14 min
Harry v Daily Mirror publisher: What happened on day two?
Prince Harry has given evidence for the first time at the High Court in his legal battle against Mirror Group Newspapers. The Duke of Sussex set out his case in a 55-page document, blaming the tabloid press for "inciting hatred and harassment" in his private life, and casting him as a "playboy prince" and a "thicko". He also faced cross-examination from the newspaper's lawyer who questioned the prince's claims that information in the stories were obtained illegally. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by Sky's royal correspondent, Laura Bundock, outside the court in central London to go through the events of the day. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott and Sydney Pead Editor: Paul Stanworth
Jun 5, 2023 · 14 min
Harry v Daily Mirror publisher: What happened on day one?
The Duke of Sussex has been accused of wasting the High Court's time on the opening day of his case against Mirror Group Newspapers. Prince Harry did not appear in court on Monday for the start of the trial in which he is accusing the newspapers' journalists of using unlawful methods to gather information about him, including phone hacking. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by Sky's royal correspondent, Laura Bundock, and media lawyer Jonathan Coad, outside the court in central London to go through the events of the day. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Philly Beaumont
Jun 4, 2023 · 19 min
The secret Iranian Russian arms deal
Sky News has seen a document which – if real - appears to be the first hard evidence that Iran has sold ammunition to Russia for its war in Ukraine. An informed security source has told our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes that they believe the purported arms contract is authentic, although we have not yet been able to verify this. On the Sky News Daily, Kamali Melbourne speaks to Deborah about what’s in the document and reaction to it – including from Britain's Foreign Secretary, Ukraine’s prime minister and the Ukrainian ambassador to London. Plus, they look at what more we can learn about Russia’s relationship with Iran and, what it means for the war in Ukraine and the wider world. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Philly Beaumont - editor
Jun 1, 2023 · 16 min
Greedflation: are businesses profiteering from the cost of living crisis?
As food inflation rises to 19.2%, its highest rate in 42 years, the European Central Bank has suggested that it could be down to, in part, businesses profiteering from the cost of living crisis by increasing their prices for larger margins, a term known as 'greedflation'. But what is the data behind the suggestion? On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood is joined by our economics and data editor Ed Conway, who helps to shed light on what greedflation is and how this term came about. He also shares data Sky News has calculated that breaks down what supermarkets spend their profits on. Producer: Soila Apparicio Junior Producer: Amy Lakin Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 31, 2023 · 17 min
'I'm scared': What it's like to be LGBTQ+ in a country where you could be killed
New anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been passed in Uganda, expanding on rules which already criminalised same-sex acts and carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The new anti-homosexuality law now makes "aggravated homosexuality" - which is defined as sexual relations involving people infected with HIV, as well as with those under 18, and other categories of vulnerable people - punishable with prison sentences of up to 14 years. On the Sky News Daily, Kamali Melbourne speaks to Jay Mulucha, a human rights activist and executive director of Fem Alliance Uganda, who tells us what it's like to be LGBTQ+ in Uganda and to Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, Deputy Director of the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch, about the history of these laws. Producer: Soila Apparicio Junior Producer: Amy Lakin Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 30, 2023 · 18 min
Migrant crisis: The people found at sea
Sky News has been on board one of the biggest-ever migrant rescue missions on the Mediterranean Sea. More than 600 people were spotted by rescue forces crammed on to an abandoned and overloaded fishing boat. The passengers left Libya, heading for Italy, but were abandoned by the captain after food and water started running out. The crossing is one of the most dangerous, with at least a thousand deaths already this year. Many of the survivors were seriously ill, injured and dehydrated. On the Sky News Daily, Liz Bates is joined by Sky's Europe correspondent Adam Parsons who witnessed the rescue operation and Sky's political correspondent Ali Fortescue to discuss how the issue of migration is shaping European politics. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 29, 2023 · 16 min
Student loans in England: is the degree still value for money?
Changes to student finance this September will see future graduates paying back their university debts earlier and for longer than any generation before them. Some analysts say the changes which include 10 extra years on the life of the loan and a lower income when repayments start could see some graduates paying almost double over the course of their working lives. So, if you’re paying more for longer, is a degree still worth the cost? On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by money expert Greg Marsh, and social mobility professor Lee Elliot Major to discuss how the debt is changing and options young people have. And ahead of her exams, sixth form student Thea Roland talks about her future university plans. Producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 25, 2023 · 22 min
Net migration: What it means for the UK
Net migration to the UK rose to 606,000 in the 12 months to December 2022, the highest number for a calendar year on record - despite a Tory 2019 manifesto commitment to "bring overall numbers down". The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, show that most people arriving to the UK last year were non-EU nationals. The body attributed a "unique year" for migration to "world events" including the war in Ukraine and unrest in Hong Kong. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson breaks down the numbers with Sky’s data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire and picks through the fallout in Westminster with political correspondent Ali Fortescue. Plus, Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at Oxford University, explains how what the government says actually impacts the number of people that come to the UK. Podcast Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 24, 2023 · 20 min
Ron DeSantis: The Republican rival who could trump Trump
There had been months of speculation, but Ron DeSantis has now officially launched his bid for the White House - filing a declaration of candidacy with the US federal electoral commission. He has been described as Trump 2.0 and has pitched himself as the more "credible" choice for the Republican nomination who could face Democrat incumbent Joe Biden in next year's US presidential election race. But who is Ron DeSantis? And can he rival Donald Trump? On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood is joined by our US correspondent Mark Stone in Florida and state government reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, Kirby Wilson, as they dive into DeSantis’ backstory and his politics – including his response to COVID and feud with Disney. Plus, they look at what a DeSantis White House would mean for the American people. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer Nelly Stefanova - archive researcher Philly Beaumont - editor
May 23, 2023 · 23 min
How 'fake' families are smuggled into the UK on skilled worker visas
Criminal gangs are exploiting Britain's need to fill jobs by using the skilled worker visa system as a route to traffic people into the country. Under the scheme, someone who has been offered a job in the UK is allowed to bring dependents with them, but Sky News has learned about several cases of abuse of the system. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson is joined by our communities correspondent Lisa Holland and producer Nick Stylianou who have uncovered the story to explain how 'fake' families are smuggled in. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 22, 2023 · 21 min
Suella Braverman and the speeding ticket row
Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been accused of breaking the ministerial code of conduct by asking civil servants to arrange a private speed-awareness course after she was caught speeding in 2022. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson asks Tim Durrant from the Institute for Government what breaking the ministerial code actually means and speaks to Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell about the political reasons this story may have broken now. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 21, 2023 · 21 min
Trophy hunting: The row about conservation and colonialism
Earlier this year, MPs voted to stop trophy hunters bringing back the body parts of endangered animals – such as rhino horns - into Britain. However, not everyone agrees with a blanket ban. Some conservationists and local community leaders in parts of Africa warn it unintentionally risks reversing their efforts to grow populations of animals including elephants, lions and the critically endangered black rhino. They also worry bans like this could undermine the livelihoods of people in these rural areas. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to Jens Ulrik Høgh, who has hunted in Africa dozens of times, and conservationist Maxi Pia Louis, who talks about what communities in Namibia are doing to protect species and their relationship with hunting groups. Plus, Leah is joined by wildlife expert Professor Amy Dickman, from the University of Oxford, to discuss what evidence there is that trophy hunting supports conservation – and we hear from Henry Smith, the MP who put forward the import ban which is currently going through the House of Lords. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Philly Beaumont – editor
May 18, 2023 · 20 min
Could AI really take your job?
As BT announce they’re expecting to cut up to 10,000 jobs in the next decade due to advances in Artificial Intelligence, concerns remain over the country's readiness to deal with the new and surprisingly rapid evolution of AI. So how worried should we really be that AI could be coming for all our jobs? And what are our rights when it comes to AI in the office. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso who has been speaking to firms already integrating AI into their workforce, and Mary Towers, employment rights expert from the Trade Union Congress, talks about what rights we have already, and what more needs to be done. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 17, 2023 · 23 min
What is happening to the Uyghurs in China?
Western journalists have been inside Xinjiang, China's largest region in the northwest of the country for the first time since COVID restrictions were lifted. The province is home to the native Uyghurs - a mostly Muslim community of around 12 million people. They've lived in the area for several hundred years. Human rights groups as well as the UK and US governments have accused China of committing genocide against Uyghurs in the region. The United Nations also said in 2018 that they believe China had detained around one million of the minority group in camps against their will. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to Helen-Ann Smith, Sky’s Asia Correspondent, who recently visited some of these camps and to Sky’s Tom Cheshire, who was covering the region for us for nearly five years and is now our data and forensics correspondent. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Paul Stanworth - editor
May 16, 2023 · 17 min
The desperate parents stealing formula to feed their babies
The cost of baby formula has soared in price, causing some desperate families to take unsafe measures to feed their children - including buying dangerous unsealed products or even stealing. Data from First Steps Nutrition shows that the cheapest brand of formula has increased in price by 45% in the past two years. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to Sky’s Tom Parmenter who has uncovered the story and been speaking to desperate parents and Clare Murphy, from the British Pregnancy Advice Service, who says the country is on the brink of a public health crisis. Podcast producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 15, 2023 · 20 min
Zelenskyy visit: How long can the West pay for Ukraine's war?
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to the UK on Monday for face-to-face talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he wanted to create a "jets coalition" as the UK pledged to send hundreds of new long-range attack drones to Ukraine. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to former US Ambassador to Ukraine, John Herbst about the importance of continued military support in Ukraine, and to Sky’s international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn who was at Chequers for the meeting. Podcast Producer: Rosie Gillott Assistant podcast producer: Amy Lakin Editor: Philly Beaumont
May 14, 2023 · 20 min
Prisoner to would-be president: The rise of Wagner's Yevgeny Prigozhin
The Wagner Group of mercenaries has been fighting in Ukraine since Russia's first invasion in 2014, but very little was known about the group, or its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, until the end of 2022 when he began speaking publicly. As the UK and EU prepare to declare the Wagner Group a terror organisation, is the mercenary group, and Prigozhin himself, becoming a liability for the Kremlin? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson asks about what we know of the shadowy head of Wagner, with Samantha de Bendern, associate fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and takes a closer look at the role Wagner Group is playing in the invasion of Ukraine with Joana de Deus Pereira, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute Europe. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Interviews producer: Alex Edden Editor: Philly Beaumont