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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February 13 · 12 min
The teen who could lead North Korea: Who is Kim Jong Un's young’un?
Kim Ju Ae could be the next leader of North Korea. Despite only being around 13 years old, there are reports her father, Kim Jong Un, has handpicked her as his heir. So, what is known about the youngster who may become the next head of one of the world's most secretive countries? Niall is joined by Professor Hazel Smith, an expert on North Korea at the School of African and Oriental Studies. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Sam Gruet Editor: Piers Wisbey
February 12 · 18 min
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s apology: did he mean it?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has apologised for his “choice of language” in an interview with Sky News’ economics and data editor, Ed Conway. The billionaire, who part-owns Manchester United, but lives in Monaco, said the UK is being ‘colonised’ by immigrants. His comments have been criticised by the prime minister and many Man Utd fans. Niall discusses with Ed Conway why an interview, which was supposed to be about chemicals, has caused such a fuss, and whether the apology was truly heartfelt. Producers: Paul Wilkinson and Tom Gillespie Editor: Piers Wisbey
February 11 · 14 min
Should the 'Suffolk Strangler' have been stopped sooner?
The "Suffolk Strangler" murders horrified the UK in 2006, as five women were killed in the Ipswich area. But should the killer have been caught years before? Steve Wright became known as one of the country's most notorious serial killers - and admitted last week to having murdered a sixth woman in 1999. Now, his only survivor says his victims might have survived if police had taken her seriously. Niall speaks to Sky correspondent Emma Birchley. Producers: Paul Wilkinson & Tom Gillespie Editor: Piers Wisbey
February 10 · 14 min
Inside Number 10: Can Starmer survive?
Downing Street is in turmoil as Sir Keir Starmer fights for his political life. Can he cling on to power? Niall is joined by Lord Barwell, Theresa May’s chief of staff during her time in Downing Street. He says watching current events play out is like post-traumatic stress disorder. So, what actually goes on inside Downing Street during a time of crisis? And is there anything the prime minister can do to save his job? Producers: Tom Gillespie and Paul Wilkinson
February 9 · 14 min
Will the Andrew claims overshadow William in Saudi?
**Since we published this episode, we've heard from Buckingham Palace about allegations that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential documents with Jeffrey Epstein whilst acting as a UK Trade Envoy. "The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct," the Palace said** The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first public remarks earlier saying their thoughts "remain focused on the victims." The allegations threaten to overshadow an important diplomatic trip for Prince William to Saudi Arabia – which raises its own questions over the use of royal ‘soft’ power. Niall speaks to Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills, who is on William’s trip to the Middle East. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any allegations of wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Paul Wilkinson Editor: Mike Bovill
February 6 · 18 min
Mandelson – the biggest political scandal since Profumo?
John Profumo was secretary of state for war when he had an affair with Christine Keeler, which ultimately brought down Conservative prime minister Harold Macmillan in the early 1960s. Parallels are now being drawn between the Profumo affair, and the crisis Sir Keir Starmer is facing over Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein. Not just because of the damage to his government but also in how the people at the centre of the scandals behaved as though normal rules did not apply to them. It's said that history often repeats itself - and it seems politics is no different. Niall is joined by Vanessa Holburn, author of The Profumo Affair, to discuss the parallels between the two scandals. Producer: Tom Gillespie and Emily Hulme Editor: Wendy Parker
February 5 · 11 min
Has US star Savannah Guthrie’s mum been abducted?
The mother of one of America's most famous news anchors is believed to have been abducted. Savannah Guthrie is used to broadcasting the news to millions of people - but has now issued a desperate video appeal calling for her mum’s safe return. The story has captivated America - so who is Savannah Guthrie and what do we know about her mother Nancy’s disappearance so far? Niall is joined by Sky’s US correspondent and Trump100 co-host David Blevins. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
February 4 · 15 min
Inside a detention camp for women and children linked to ISIS
Northeast Syria is rapidly changing hands, and with it the country's fragile balance of power. The last time there was a power vacuum in the country, ISIS was born. Around 7,000 Islamic State group detainees held in prisons in Syria are being transferred to Iraq in an operation overseen by the US. But will the instability in the region affect that transfer and allow the organisation to regroup? Niall's joined by Sky's international correspondent Alex Rossi who has seen first-hand the conditions in those camps. Producers: Charlie Duffield, Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
February 3 · 17 min
Why is the NHS lagging behind on cancer care?
Half of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives, according to Cancer Research UK. And the speed of a diagnosis can often be the difference between life and death. Just a one-month delay can raise the risk of death by up to 10%. Yet in England, almost a third of cancer patients wait more than two months to start treatment after an urgent GP referral - twice as many as the target and a trend that’s getting worse. As the Westminster government prepares to publish its new 10-year cancer plan - what can we learn from elsewhere in the world? In Denmark, for example, cancer waiting lists have virtually been eliminated and survival rates are rocketing. Niall speaks to Sky’s health correspondent Ashish Joshi and Jesper Fisker from the Danish Cancer Society. Producer: Natalie Ktena & Sam Gruet Editor: Mike Bovill
February 2 · 18 min
Andrew and Epstein: How will the royals respond?
It seemed inevitable there would be more damaging documents in the latest batch of the Epstein files relating to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Neither the former prince, nor the wider Royal Family, have responded to this most recent tranche, in which Andrew is pictured on all fours, leaning over an unidentified woman. So what else is inside the latest drop? What does it say about his relationship with the convicted sex offender? And how much further can Andrew fall? Niall speaks to Sky’s Royal Correspondent Rhiannon Mills Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill
January 30 · 22 min
Will Trump hang on to Kristi Noem?
From 'Snow Queen' to 'ICE Maiden' - how did a beauty pageant-winning 'farmgirl' from South Dakota become the public face of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown? As the head of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem holds one of the highest offices in the US government - despite facing criticism after saying she shot her dog. But will Ms Noem's love of the limelight also lead to her downfall, following the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis by immigration officers she ultimately controls? Niall is joined by Jon Schaff, a political science professor at Northern State University in South Dakota. Producers: Natalie Ktena, Soila Apparicio & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
January 29 · 20 min
The terrifying online community targeting kids
An online network known as ‘The Com’ is targeting children and coercing them into acts of violence, self-harm and abuse. A new report has revealed members – mostly aged between 11 and 25 – are groomed into hurting themselves or others to gain social status. How worried should parents be and what are the signs your child might be involved? Niall speaks to Sky’s Adele Robinson following her investigation into the online group. WARNING: This report contains references to suicide, self-harm and sexual abuse which some may find distressing. If you've been affected by this story, and are feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal, you can contact the Samaritans by emailing jo@samaritans.uk or jo@samaritans.ie Producers: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill
January 28 · 17 min
Do pubs have a future?
Pubs may have been given a discount on their business rates bills - but with many landlords still suffering a post-Covid hangover, does it go far enough? Last year, it was reported that eight pubs are closing in the UK every week - so can anything be done to save the great British boozer? And is the government solely to blame? After all, the younger generation now seem to prefer lifting weights over necking pints. Niall is joined by pub landlord Simon Wade and Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
January 27 · 13 min
Should Britain trust China?
Sir Keir Starmer is heading to China for what will be the first visit by a British prime minister since Theresa May went in 2018. He’ll be accompanied by a plane full of business leaders as he hopes to improve the UK's trade and economic relations with China. But the UK already has a huge trade deficit with China – so what might the prime minister get in return? The visit also takes place against the backdrop of his approval of the new Chinese "mega" embassy in London and allegations of Chinese spying. To discuss the security concerns and how close a relationship the UK should have with the Chinese, Niall is joined from Beijing by The Times' China correspondent, Richard Spencer Producers: Tom Gillespie and Emily Hulme Editor: Wendy Parker
January 26 · 15 min
Can coppers cope with 'modern crime'?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the biggest overhaul of the police service in England and Wales in nearly 200 years. Her reforms include reducing the number of forces, the creation of a "British FBI" and using data and AI to predict criminal activity before it happens. Some of this has been heard before - so exactly how radical are these reforms? And will they make forces fit to tackle the changing nature of crime? Niall is joined by Sky's crime commentator Martin Brunt.
January 23 · 15 min
Can the Peltz-Beckhams make a brand of their own?
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham have been spotted in public for the first time since his explosive social media post about the rest of the Beckhams. Key to his complaint was how Nicola was treated by his parents - particularly at their wedding. David and Victoria have not responded to the claims but have been approached for comment. So who is Nicola Peltz and what happens next for the Peltz Beckhams? Niall speaks to the Daily Mirror's showbiz editor Amy Denman about Nicola Peltz's life as an heiress, actress and now as part of one of the most talked about couples on the planet. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker
January 22 · 15 min
Is Trump’s Board of Peace just a power play?
In the same month he ordered strikes on Venezuela and threatened to seize Greenland, Donald Trump has been inviting countries to join his "Board of Peace". The US president and disruptor-in-chief has pitched the board as a mechanism to rebuild Gaza - yet its charter does not even mention the territory. Russia has been invited, while still waging war on Ukraine – so what is this so-called Board of Peace? Can it achieve a lasting solution for Palestine? And is Trump trying to replace the United Nations? Niall is joined by Sky’s Middle East correspondent, Adam Parsons.
January 21 · 11 min
Is a social media ban workable?
Teenagers generally hate being told what to do – as any parent who’s tried getting them off their phones can testify. The government is now considering a social media ban on children under 16 – but the move has had mixed reviews since its introduction in Australia. What lessons can be learned over here? Would teenagers simply find a way around the ban? And is there a better way to keep children safe online? Jonathan Samuels is joined by Sky’s tech reporter Mickey Carroll. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill
January 20 · 15 min
David Beckham, Donald Trump – what are they doing in Davos?
It's where world leaders rub shoulders with billionaires while former footballers clink champagne flutes with film stars and tech bros. President Trump is the star turn at the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. But what exactly is the World Economic Forum? And what's the purpose of this glittering get-together of the global elite? Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky's business and economics correspondent Paul Kelso from the heart of the action in Davos. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill
January 19 · 17 min
Has Trump and Starmer’s 'special relationship' turned toxic?
Is Donald Trump's threat to impose more tariffs on countries trying to block his plan to buy Greenland the last straw for the strained relationship with the UK? Sir Keir Starmer is walking a diplomatic tightrope - on the one hand rebuking the president for his threats, while on the other reiterating the UK and US remain the closest of allies. But could this mark a point of no return for the man once described as the 'Trump whisperer'? Niall speaks to the UK's first national security adviser, Lord Ricketts, about the history of the alliance between the UK and the US and whether Sir Keir can successfully keep it intact, at this delicate moment in history. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill