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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1,001 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes1001

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Dec 8, 2022 · 18 min
Mouldy homes: Deaths ‘could happen again’
Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to mould in the house his parents rented from a housing association. The housing ombudsman for England Richard Blakeway tells Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily how he fears there could be more deaths if damp and mould in homes isn’t addressed urgently. Niall also hears from a mum with three young children, one now with respiratory issues, living in a home with bad mould, about the ways it is impacting their health. Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: Alys Bowen Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
Dec 7, 2022 · 16 min
Strep A: The latest medical advice
Antibiotics could be given to children at schools affected by Strep A to stop the spread of the bacteria, after a number of children died recent from the infection. The government has urged parents to be on the lookout for symptoms of what is also known as Group A streptococcus to prevent more deaths. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Professor Jim McManus, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health, about what Strep A is and how worried parents should be. Plus, we hear from a father whose four-year-old daughter is fighting for her life after contracting the infection. Podcast producer - Rosie Gillott Interviews producer – Alys Bowen Digital producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Philly Beaumont
Dec 6, 2022 · 17 min
Keir Starmer's 'blueprint' for government
Labour has unveiled a plan for the biggest-ever transference of power to the British people with a report that also recommends the House of Lords is replaced with an elected chamber. It's part of what Sir Keir Starmer called radical plans and a fundamental remodelling of our broken political system. His plans include replacing the House of Lords, banning most MPs from having a second job, and moving 50,000 civil servants out of the capital. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson breaks down Labour's plans with our political correspondent Joe Pike. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
Dec 5, 2022 · 19 min
Afghanistan: The forgotten LGBT+ community
After the UK government’s promise to support vulnerable LGBT+ people in Afghanistan following the country’s fall to the Taliban in August 2021, those left behind say they’re struggling to get enough help. On the Sky News Daily with Niall Patterson, Nemat Sadat, the executive director of LGBT+ charity Roshaniya, asks for a clearer plan from ministers, and LGBT+ Afghans share their experiences of discrimination and violence, saying there’s “no future left for LGBT+ people in Afghanistan”. Warning: This podcast contains descriptions of violence and sexual violence, and mentions of self-harm and suicide. Producers: Soila Apparicio and Anne-Marie Bullock Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
Dec 3, 2022 · 12 min
Ukraine War Diaries: EP35 - The bloody dark, bathroom pits & the blitz of Kyiv (Nov 28 – 2Dec)
Under siege in Kyiv, Ilyas endures his longest blackout. Military volunteer, Seva, sources chainsaws for comrades in the east and in her mind, Oksana visits the rooftop of her apartment block to offer a god-like view of a Ukrainian capital under siege. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of December 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He’s originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana’s closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She’s continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP57 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News’ multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob Mulhern Editor: Paul Stanworth Digital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Dec 2, 2022 · 25 min
Royal race row: Can they modernise?
The Prince and Princess of Wales's first overseas trip since the Queen's death has been overshadowed by controversy at home. The prince’s godmother has resigned from her role in the royal household after she repeatedly asked Ngozi Fulani, a black domestic abuse campaigner, where she “really came from”. A spokesperson for Prince William, who is on a three-day visit to Boston, Massachusetts, said Lady Susan Hussey's comments were "unacceptable" and that "racism has no place in our society". On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson gets the reaction in Boston from Sky's royal correspondent Laura Bundock and speaks to Sunder Katwala from British Future about diversity in Buckingham Palace. Plus, PR specialist Professor Cele Otnes speaks about the role the younger royals could play in rebranding the Royal Family. Podcast producer - Rosie Gillott Junior podcast producer – Jada-Kai Meosa John Interviews producer – Alys Bowen Digital producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Philly Beaumont
Nov 30, 2022 · 22 min
New Alzheimer's drug: How much of a breakthrough is it?
A drug used in clinical trials has been found to slow memory loss in patients with the condition - and although lecanemab is not a cure, it has got a lot of scientists and others very excited. On the Sky News Daily podcast, Niall Paterson speaks to Scott Mitchell, the widower of the late Dame Barbara Windsor, who died with the disease, about what the breakthrough means to his campaign to raise awareness. Plus Tom Clarke, Sky’s science and technology editor, explores how much of a difference the drug could make and what happens next. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Alys Bowen Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Archiver researcher: Nelly Stefanova Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 30, 2022 · 19 min
Ukraine's other battle: Keeping the power on
Intense missile strikes from Russia have left Ukraine with country-wide power outages and blackouts. Satellite images show how dark the country has become compared to its neighbours. How will the darkness affect Ukraine as the war enters the winter months? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes as they explore the impact the continued Russian shelling is having on Ukraine's power grid, and the bleak winter ahead. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Soila Apparicio – podcast producer Jada-Kai Meosa John - junior podcast producer David Chipakupaku – podcast promotion producer Philly Beaumont - editor
Nov 29, 2022 · 21 min
Fear and fury in China – what does President Xi do now?
Protests have sprung up across some of China's biggest cities with demonstrators shouting "down with the CCP, down with Xi Jinping". The protests, originally sparked by frustration at continued COVID lockdown measures, are now being seen as a challenge to the Communist leadership in the country in general. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky News' Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith, who has witnessed protests in Shanghai. Plus, Cindy Yu, host of The Spectator's Chinese Whispers podcast, on the threat continued unrest poses to China's leader, Xi Jinping. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Junior Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Digital Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 28, 2022 · 17 min
The Dark Web: Exploring the 'murder-for-hire' sites
The dark web is a hidden space on the internet where your activity can be anonymous and private. Among these dark websites, there’s a disturbing amount of apparent "murder-for-hire" sites offering hitman services. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood explores the use of "murder-for-hire" websites with hacker and dark web vigilante Chris Monteiro, while one victim tells us how dangerous they are. Also, Andy Greenberg, author of Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency and senior writer at WIRED magazine, helps us understand what is being done to combat them. Producers: Soila Apparicio and Tom Gillespie Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 26, 2022 · 12 min
Ukraine War Diaries: EP34- Ghosts of Chernobyl, going south & grave phone calls (Nov 21-24)
In the dark of Kyiv, Ilyas fears for the under-fire Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, knowing how the 1986 Chernobyl disaster continues to impact lives in Ukraine to this day. With new orders, military volunteer Seva, prepares to go on assignment in southern Ukraine, but not before an unexpected meeting with two soldiers involved in the recent liberation of Kherson. And feeling helpless overseas, Oksana desperately tries to reach her family in the midst of yet another devastating missile attack. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of November 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He’s originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv. Many of Oksana’s closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She’s continues to try and make a life there. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP34 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News’ multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob Mulhern Editor: Paul Stanworth Digital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Nov 25, 2022 · 26 min
'Fear and intimidation' – the tactics of Iran's secret police
State secret police have been accused of abducting and killing civilians on the street of Iran, a country where hundreds of people have died and violence continues to escalate during protests which have been raging for 10 weeks. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Victoria Elms and Sanya Burgess from Sky News’ digital investigations team which has carried out a special investigation into CCTV footage of a murder, carried out in broad daylight, seemingly by Iran's feared secret police. Plus, Iranian historian Ali Ansari on the government's plan to spread terror in the population to consolidate its own control. Podcast producer- Rosie Gillott Junior podcast producer – Jada-Kai Meosa John Interviews producer – Alys Bowen Digital producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Philly Beaumont
Nov 23, 2022 · 19 min
Scottish Independence: A blow for Sturgeon - so what next?
Supreme Court judges have decided unanimously that an Indyref2 vote cannot go ahead without the UK parliament’s permission. But it’s not the end of the debate – or Scotland’s First Minister’s fight to break free from Great Britain. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what the judgment means both politically and legally with our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies. Plus, reaction from both sides of the debate as we speak to Kevin Hague, chair of pro-union think tank These Islands, and Lesley Riddoch, columnist for Scottish papers The Herald and The National, who supports Scottish independence. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer Alys Bowen – interviews producer Philly Beaumont – editor
Nov 23, 2022 · 20 min
Musk and Twitter: The end or a new beginning?
Since Elon Musk bought and took over Twitter three weeks ago, he’s re-visioned the platform with “free speech” at its core. But his takeover has seen an exodus of staff and a series of user-reported issues. Twitter has been a resource for connecting with officials, celebrities, and each other, but can it withstand the changes made under Musk? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Patterson speaks to our technology reporter Tom Acres about what has happened since Musk took over. Also, former Twitter EMEA Vice President Bruce Daisley helps us understand the culture of Twitter, and Silicon Valley historian Margaret O’Mara on its future. Producers: Soila Apparicio and Rosie Gillott Junior Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Interviews Producer: Alys Bowen Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 21, 2022 · 19 min
Armband row: Did football just score an own goal?
LGBT+ rights activists and campaigners have condemned FIFA’s threats to sanction players who wear OneLove armbands at the World Cup in Qatar. England, Wales and five other European nations have confirmed their players will not wear the armband as a result. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky News’ sports correspondent Rob Harris in Qatar, and Jon Holmes, from the campaigning and advocacy group Sports Media LGBT+ about FIFA’s missed opportunity to make a stand for equality in football. Producer - Rosie Gillott Interviews producer – Alys Bowen Digital producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Philly Beaumont
Nov 21, 2022 · 31 min
Big Ideas Live: Can the UK become a science superpower?
Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, wants to turn the UK into the next Silicon Valley. The question many scientists are asking is: How? Although there were no cuts to science and technology in Mr Hunt’s autumn statement, those in the field say a lot more must be done to realise the government's ambition. For a special Sky News Daily, Tom Clarke, our science and technology editor, is joined by a panel of experts for Sky’s Big Ideas live event in London to discuss whether the UK can be a science and technology superpower. His guests include Mark Walport, the former chief scientific adviser to the government, Daniel Korski, chief executive of Public, and Zoe McDougall, from Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 19, 2022 · 9 min
Ukraine War Diaries: EP33 - Russian fury, freezing down & the price of freedom (Nov 14-18)
On the road in freezing temperatures, military volunteer Seva, reflects on Russia’s latest mass attack on the Ukrainian energy network. And looking out across a darkened Kyiv - after a Russian missile knocks out the power in his apartment block - the ramifications of winter become very real for Ilyas, but so too enemy soldiers. OUR DIARISTS Ilyas is an IT specialist and married father who fled from Kyiv to Lviv shortly after the war started. His wife Natalia, and two young sons are taking refuge in Poland. As of November 2022, Ilyas is back living in the family apartment in Kyiv and working, in part, for the Ukrainian government on various IT projects. Seva, 40, is a company CEO and husband to Oksana. Before the war, he travelled across Europe for business. Now, he makes regular supply drops of medical aid and rations to Ukrainian troops on the front line in Eastern Ukraine. He’s originally from a small village near Dnipro. Oksana, 35, works in overseas education. She lives with her husband, Seva, in an apartment complex in central Kyiv and has remained in the Ukrainian capital since the war started. Many of Oksana’s closest friends have left the country to begin new lives in Europe. Some may never return. She’s determined to stay. Ukraine War Diaries uses first-person audio, recorded on the ground in Ukraine, to give an intimate day-to-day perspective of life in a war zone. EP33 diary entries were recorded using WhatsApp voice note. From the producers of Sky News’ multi-award winning series – StoryCast. Producer: Rob Mulhern Editor: Paul Stanworth Digital Promotion: David Chipakupaku
Nov 17, 2022 · 24 min
What Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement means for you
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered the government's autumn statement, outlining tax rises and spending cuts in order to fill a £54bn "black hole" in the UK economy. Mr Hunt has pledged to increase spending on the NHS and education while increasing the amount of tax paid by the highest earners, as the Office for Budget Responsibility has predicted that living standards are going to fall by 7% over the next two years. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby and economics and data editor Ed Conway to go through the government's plan to fix the economy and ask if this was the only approach the chancellor could have taken. Editor - Philly Beaumont Podcast producer - Rosie Gillott Digital producer - David Chipakupaku
Nov 16, 2022 · 21 min
Donald Trump is running for President... again!
Donald Trump has announced he is running for the US presidency in 2024. But to be on the ballot, he will have to win the Republican Party’s nomination. As he well knows, the road to becoming one of the main parties' presidential nominees can be long and arduous. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's US Correspondent Mark Stone who was at Trump's estate in Mar-a-Lago in Florida for the announcement. He was also joined by Republican strategist and the former chairman of the Nevada Republican Party, Amy Tarkanian. Producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interview producer: Alys Bowen Editor: Philly Beaumont
Nov 16, 2022 · 23 min
Inside Kherson: What next for Russia’s war with Ukraine?
Ukraine has faced another intense wave of missile strikes, just days after Russia’s loss of Kherson - the port city in southern Ukraine. On the Sky News Daily podcast with Niall Paterson, our correspondent Alex Rossi reflects on what he witnessed as Ukrainian troops took back control last week, and Sky's Cordelia Lynch discusses global diplomacy at the G20 summit in Bali. Plus, Sky's security and defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke explains what it could mean strategically for both Ukraine and Russia as we head into the cold months of winter. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer Alys Bowen - interviews producer David Chipakupaku - podcast promotion producer Lydia Meredith - archive researcher Philly Beaumont - editor