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
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March 13 · 16 min
Why is Hollywood turning on Timothee Chalamet?
Timothee Chalamet – movie star and tabloid regular – had been the firm favourite to take home the Best Actor statue at this weekend’s Academy Awards. So why have the former Hollywood favourite’s fortunes fallen so dramatically? The press campaign for his movie Marty Supreme, as well as some ill-timed controversial comments about opera and ballet, have led to a backlash. Why has public opinion turned against him? And how do the big Hollywood studios go about influencing who wins what at the Oscars? Niall is joined by Sky’s entertainment correspondent Katie Spencer in Tinsel Town and Paula Froelich, senior story producer and on-air talent for NewsNation. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk Credit: Timothée Chalamet & Matthew McConaughey | Variety & CNN Town Hall - Full Conversation - YouTube
March 12 · 17 min
Why the 'Tech Bros' are turning against Trump
One of the world's most valuable AI companies is suing the US government after it was designated a "supply chain risk" by Pete Hegseth's Department of War. It's an unprecedented legal fight – after Anthropic refused to allow its technology to be used for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. Now, other tech giants – including Google, Microsoft and Apple – have swung their support behind Anthropic. Why has this dispute happened and what could it all mean for the future of AI? Niall speaks to Sky’s technology correspondent, Rowland Manthorpe, about the potential consequences. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk
March 11 · 19 min
Why the Mandelson files mean more trouble for Keir Starmer
The first batch of the Mandelson files have finally been released – but even though there’s still more to come, there are already serious questions for the prime minister. What was the vetting process before Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the United States? How much was known about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein? And could more have been done to prevent a five-figure payout following his downfall? Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell, who has been going through the files. Peter Mandelson has always denied any criminal wrongdoing. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk
March 10 · 14 min
Why Putin could be the Iran war's big winner
After a phone call with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced the US could ease oil sanctions on some countries to combat the rise in prices brought about by the Iran war. It wasn’t clear whether Russia would be included, but such a move could signal a significant shift for the country, which has been isolated since the start of the war with Ukraine. Could Russia be finding its way back to the world stage – after years as a global pariah? Jayne Secker is joined by Sky's Moscow correspondent, Ivor Bennett. Have you got a question for us? Email the show – why@sky.uk
March 9 · 15 min
Is Iran’s new supreme leader Trump's next target?
A "continuity candidate" or the ultimate "nepo baby"? Iran’s new supreme leader is Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old cleric and son of the previous ayatollah. Khamenei was once described as "the power behind the robes" in his father's regime - but very little is known about him. So, who is Mojtaba Khamenei, and how was he chosen? What does his selection mean for the future of the Iranian regime and people? And with few signs that the war with Israel and the US will abate any time soon, what difference will he make to the outcome of the conflict? Niall is joined by Dr Louise Kettle, assistant professor of international relations at the University of Nottingham. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
March 6 · 17 min
Why is HMS Dragon taking so long to get to Cyprus?
The warship HMS Dragon is now not expected to leave for the Mediterranean until next week to begin its mission to defend a British military base in Cyprus from attacks by Iran. The ship is one of six Type 45 air defence destroyers in the Royal Navy and one of three that aren’t currently out of service. It is well-equipped to deal with Iran’s Shahed-type drones, so why has it taken so long to send it to the region? Niall speaks to defence analyst Tom Sharpe, who also spent 27 years in the Royal Navy, about the military capabilities of HMS Dragon, the state of the Navy currently, and when the warship might finally arrive in the Med. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
March 5 · 18 min
Have Brits in the Middle East been abandoned?
Most people have had a bad experience on holiday – but not many will have seen their destination turn into a war zone. That’s been the case for thousands of British travellers in places like Oman and Dubai following the start of the conflict with Iran. The UK’s first repatriation flight was branded a “total shambles” - so what is the government doing to help both holiday makers and expats caught in the crossfire? Niall is joined by Sky’s correspondent Sally Lockwood in Dubai. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
March 4 · 17 min
Why Europe is finally standing up to Donald Trump
The United States may have launched strikes on Iran this week, but Donald Trump also found time for a war of words. This time, it was with the prime ministers of the UK and Spain – after they refused to allow America access to their airbases ahead of the attack. Keir Starmer and Pedro Sanchez have responded with some tough words of their own – so why are they and other European leaders finally standing up to Trump? Niall is joined by Sky’s defence analyst Michael Clarke. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
March 3 · 15 min
Will the Iran war worsen the cost of living crisis?
Rachel Reeves may have delivered her Spring Forecast – but have events in the Middle East made the chancellor’s announcement redundant? With President Trump predicting the Iran conflict could continue for a further four to five weeks, the world is starting to realise the economic consequences. Global oil and gas prices are spiking and fuelling the threat of higher inflation and interest rates. Niall is joined by Sky’s economics and data editor, Ed Conway, to discuss the effects on the UK economy – and why you might be feeling the pinch. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
March 2 · 17 min
Is the UK being dragged into Trump’s Iran war?
War is raging in the Middle East after the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iran. Keir Starmer has risked his special relationship with Donald Trump by initially blocking the US from using UK airbases. Despite later changing his mind, what kind of tightrope is the prime minister walking – and can he stop Britain being sucked into war? Niall is joined on this first-ever episode of This Is Why by Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes and international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
February 27 · 1 min
One story every day, explained to make sense of the world
Welcome to This Is Why. 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 from Monday 2 March 2026. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
February 26 · 30 sec
Introducing... This Is Why
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 from Monday 2 March 2026. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
February 25 · 14 min
Why isn’t the UK stopping Putin’s shadow fleet?
When is a shadow fleet not a shadow fleet? Perhaps when it’s shipping millions of dollars' worth of crude oil through the English Channel in broad daylight. The UK has imposed sanctions on the Russian oil trade since the start of the full invasion of Ukraine - but tankers helping to fund Putin’s war machine are operating in the Channel with apparent impunity. Niall is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso - who trailed some of these ‘shadow fleet’ vessels in the English Channel. Producers: Paul Wilkinson and Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill
February 24 · 12 min
Should the police ban the use of AI?
A Sky News exclusive has found that at least 21 police forces in England are still using Microsoft Copilot, despite it being at the centre of the Maccabi Tel Aviv incident last year. In November, football fans of the Israeli team were banned from attending an away match against Aston Villa in Birmingham. West Midlands Police had determined the risk was too high. The resulting outcry – including from the UK Prime Minister – led to the force’s Chief Constable standing down. The force eventually admitted it had included false information provided by artificial intelligence software in justifying the decision. So why are many other constabularies still using the same platform? Niall speaks to Sky News Sports Correspondent Rob Harris following his investigation. Microsoft has told Sky News it "continuously evaluates" Copilot and urges companies to review how they are using it. Producers: Paul Wilkinson and Sam Gruet Editor: Mike Bovill
February 23 · 15 min
Has drone dominance in Ukraine changed warfare forever?
Could the use of drones break the stalemate in the Ukraine war? Tomorrow marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion - and for most of this time, it has seemed there was no end in sight. However, technological developments have led to the increased use of drones on the frontline. How have these remote-controlled devices become the dominant weapon on the battlefield, and have they changed the nature of warfare forever? Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky's international correspondent Alex Rossi and Ukraine producer Azad Safarov in Kyiv about coming under fire from drones on the frontline themselves. Producers: Sam Gruet and Paul Wilkinson Editor: Mike Bovill
February 20 · 17 min
Why is the world’s gold under the streets of London?
Imagine being in a room surrounded by £64bn worth of gold. It’s a glittering reality Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway experienced in one of 12 huge vaults below the Bank of England. To be granted access to the vaults is incredibly rare, not least because the gold bars inside them has been skyrocketing in value globally. So why is so much gold just sitting under London’s streets? Who does it belong to? Ed joins Niall to discuss what it’s like to be in the vaults below London. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Luke Hatten, Tom Gillespie
February 19 · 20 min
Andrew arrested: Can it get any worse for the Royal Family?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday following revelations in the Epstein files. The former prince’s links with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein have been known for years - so has the Royal Family done enough to investigate any potential wrongdoing? Andrew has always denied any allegations of illegality in connection with Epstein. Niall is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills, to discuss the crisis and what’s next for the Royal Family. Producers: Emily Hulme, Tom Gillespie Editor: Wendy Parker
February 18 · 16 min
Is it safe to let out Britain’s most notorious prisoner?
Charles Bronson's ninth appeal to the Parole Board is being considered as the hostage-taking former armed robber continues his fight for freedom. The 73-year-old has spent 52 years in jail, much of it in solitary confinement and he and his celebrity supporters believe it is now time for him to be released. Niall is joined by Sky's crime commentator Martin Brunt who assesses Bronson’s chances of getting parole and reflects on his unlikely decades-long friendship with the violent criminal. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Wendy Parker
February 17 · 14 min
Lost Boys: Is demonising teenage boys part of the problem?
Boys are now falling behind girls in every metric at school. They're more likely to be out of work than girls, and they make up 98% of the youth prison intake. There are also 2.5 million children growing up without a father figure and this seems to be impacting boys much more than girls. But is part of the problem that boys are being told they're the problem? One headteacher is hoping his groundbreaking scheme of volunteer male mentors will help change that. Gareth Barlow is joined by Chris Edwards, the headteacher behind the project, and Sky’s home affairs editor Jason Farrell, who has spent months documenting his efforts to get it off the ground.
February 16 · 15 min
Should the UK be ready for chemical warfare with Moscow?
The Kremlin has denied using a dart frog toxin to kill Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2024. But Britain and four European allies say they have evidence that points to the use of the forbidden chemical agent. Why did the allies choose the Munich security conference to make this point? And how has Moscow responded to the claims? Gareth is joined by Hamish de Bretton-Gordon - former head of British Army’s chemical weapons unit - and defence analyst Michael Clarke to discuss whether Russia wanted the world to know how they carried out Navalny’s death and ask should the UK be ready for chemical warfare with Russia? Producer: Tom Gillespie and Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont