This Is Why

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is almost at the end of a 14-year legal battle, which saw the US demanding his extradition for conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information, following diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks put online in 2010. In return for a guilty plea, Assange becomes a free man and will not face being sent to the US, having already served almost 5 years in a British prison. On this episode, Niall Paterson is joined by Alex Rossi, our international correspondent, to discuss the timeline of Assange's fight against extradition to both the US and Sweden. Plus, joining Niall is Vaughan Smith, founder of Frontline Club and a friend of Julian Assange, who shares details from the times he saw him at the Ecuadorian embassy and Belmarsh prison – they talk about what Assange’s next steps could be. Producer: Soila Apparicio Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Jay Slater went missing while on holiday on the island of Tenerife last week. The last known contact the 19-year-old had was during a short phone call to a friend, in which he said he had missed a bus trying to get back to his accommodation and so was attempting to walk instead - a journey that would take 11 hours. Rescue teams including helicopters, rescue dogs and drones have entered the second week of the search, as his family and friends become desperate for answers. What could have happened to him? On this episode, Niall Paterson learns more about Jay Slater’s story and what might have happened to him from our correspondent Shingi Mararike. Plus, Sue Sim, former chief constable of Northumbria Police, joins Niall to discuss the social media wildfire surrounding the case. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont

Four out of five people will need social care before they die - yet it's hardly been mentioned in the election campaign to date. The architect of the government's delayed social care reforms, Sir Andrew Dilnot, has told Sky News politicians need to "grow up" and tackle the crisis in the sector. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political correspondent Rob Powell to discuss the current state of social care and what political parties are promising to change. We also hear from Norman Phillips who is a full-time carer for his wife, Ros, who lives with multiple sclerosis and dementia. He tells them the physical, mental and financial toll the lack of access to social care is taking on their lives.Producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Philly Beaumont

Russia and North Korea have signed a defence pact to help each other in the event of aggression against them.As part of a two day trip, Putin visited Pyongyang, greeted by a red carpet, roses and ceremonial gunfire before signing what Kim Jong Un has called an alliance.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett and Beijing correspondent Nicole Johnston about what this unusual relationship between the leaders means for their respective countries, and the rest of the world.Producer: Sydney PeadEditor: Philly BeaumontPromotions Producer: David Chipakupaku

Sky News has partnered with YouGov for the general election campaign and today the second of their three MRP polling projections is out. It makes for very bleak reading for the Conservatives, suggesting they have not made any gains during the campaign and could slump to historically low seat numbers. The poll also suggests Labour's majority is up, the Liberal Democrats are up as well and Reform UK could win several seats. On this episode, Niall Paterson analyses the implications of today’s poll with our deputy political editor Sam Coates. Plus, Sky’s political correspondent Tamara Cohen joins us from Edinburgh where she was at the launch of the SNP manifesto. Producers: Sydney Pead Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

More people in the UK think immigration has a negative impact on society than a positive one, according to a YouGov survey for Sky News. In the first general election since Brexit, all the major parties mention migration in their manifestos. Both the Conservatives and Labour are placing promises to tackle illegal boat crossings high on their list of promises if they get into Number 10. So what do voters think about immigration and how could it affect these elections? Host Niall Paterson is joined by Sky News’ community correspondent, Becky Johnson, who’s been speaking to voters in Swindon about their views. Plus, economics and data editor Ed Conway digs into the statistics to reveal exactly how big an impact migration, both legal and illegal, has on the UK. Producers: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Reform have launched their manifesto which they're calling "Our Contract With You" in South Wales. The "contract" is promising big spending, dwarfing what Labour and the Conservatives have committed to. The party says it will pay for the plans by measures including scrapping net zero targets and what remains of HS2. In this episode Niall Paterson gets analysis on what's in the "contract" from our chief political correspondent Jon Craig. He also speaks with our royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills about the Princess of Wales and the King – and their return to public life. Full list of candidates for North West Essex constituency, which we mention in the podcast: -Kemi Badenoch, Conservative and Unionist Party -Erik Bonino, Independent -Edward Gildea, Green Party -Andrew David Green, Independent -Niko Omilana, Independent -Smita Rajesh, Liberal Democrats -Grant StClair-Armstrong, Reform UK -Issy White, Labour Party Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Wendy Parker

In a show of unity aimed at President Putin, G7 leaders meeting in Italy this week finally agreed to a deal to use profits from frozen Russian assets to provide around $50bn (£40bn) worth of support to Ukraine. And in another significant announcement, President Biden signed a 10-year bilateral security deal between the US and Ukraine which Kyiv is calling 'historic'. On this episode, Niall Paterson explores the impact these deals will have for Ukraine in its war against Russia with international editor Dominic Waghorn. Plus, Rob Harris, our sports correspondent, joins Niall to talk us through what to look out for as the European football championships get under way. Producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Wendy Parker Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John

It was Labour’s turn to launch their election manifesto today. It was a restatement of the party’s main policies with no surprise announcements in the 133-page document. Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his key pledges including no new taxes on “working people” and a promise of “economic stability”. Niall Paterson digs into Labour’s promise of economic growth with Ed Conway, Sky’s economics and data editor, and speaks to political correspondent Serena Barker-Singh, who was at the launch in Manchester. Plus, John McTernan, political strategist and former political secretary to Tony Blair, discusses the politics of their manifesto and whether it matters that there were no new announcements. Producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Wendy Parker Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John

While the Conservatives and Labour battle it out for No10, recent polling reflects a changing mood from the electorate towards the smaller parties. The latest YouGov poll suggests Reform UK have climbed within one point of the Conservatives, the Lib Dems are up four points, and Labour are dropping below 40%. In 2017, the two big parties got 82% of the vote. Now, the combined Labour-Tory vote could be as low as 56%. With the Green Party launching its manifesto today, on this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson and our deputy political editor Sam Coates dive into the dissatisfaction with Sunak and Starmer. Plus, Scarlett Maguire, pollster with JL Partners, discusses how well the smaller parties are doing. Producer: Sydney PeadEditor: Wendy Parker

Rishi Sunak has launched the Conservative's election manifesto, promising to slash taxes in a bid to revive the party's floundering campaign. In his address at the home of the British Grand Prix, the prime minister pledged £17bn in tax cuts including lowering national insurance by 2p, scrapping it entirely for the self-employed and stopping state pensions being taxed with "triple lock plus" - which the party said would all be paid for with £12bn in cuts to the civil service and welfare. But will it be enough to turn around the fortunes of the Conservatives? Today on the Daily, Niall Paterson crunches the numbers with Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway and political communications strategist Jo Tanner unpicks what the Tories are trying to do with this manifesto. Plus, Sky News' political correspondent Darren McCaffrey on if it will shift the dial for the election. Podcast Producer: Sydney PeadPodcast Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa JohnEditor: Philly Beaumont

Far-right parties have made gains in Germany, France and Italy - the EU's biggest member states.Their success has already led to a fall in the value of the euro as markets anticipate turbulent times ahead. President Macron's high-risk response to his Renaissance party losing to Marine Le Pen's National Rally was to call a snap election for the French parliament. Niall Paterson talks to Sky's Europe correspondent Adam Parsons about what's behind the far-right surge and Macron's decision. Plus, the Liberal Democrats launch their manifesto saying it's fully costed. Niall asks economics editor Ed Conway if their numbers add up and he talks to Jon Craig, Sky's chief political correspondent, to find out more about their policies. Producers: Sydney Pead Promotion Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker This episode mentions the constituency of Aberdeenshire North and Moray East. Here is the full list of candidates: Ian Bailey, Liberal DemocratsAndy Brown, Labour PartyJo Hart, Reform, UKSeamus Logan, SNPDouglas Gordan Ross, Conservative and Unionist PartyWe also mentioned the constituency of Basildon and Billericay. Here is the full list of candidates:Christopher Bateman, British Democratic PartyStephen Conlay, Reform UKStewart Goshawk, Green PartyAlex Harrison, Labour PartyRichard Holden, Conservative and Unionist PartyDave Murray, Trade Unionist and Socialist CoalitionEdward Sainsbury, Liberal Democrats

The prime minister has faced criticism for leaving the 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations early to record a TV interview that's due to go out next week. Rishi Sunak has since apologised - saying that "on reflection" leaving early "was a mistake", but also that it shouldn't be politicised. Niall Paterson looks at how damaging this misstep is for Mr Sunak with Claire Pearsall, former Conservative special adviser at the Home Office, and Joe Twyman, the co-founder of the polling company Deltapoll. Plus, our chief political correspondent Jon Craig tells us just how big of a political blunder it was. Producer: Sydney Pead Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings which were a turning point in the Second World War and ultimately led to the Allied victory over Nazi Germany. On this episode, Niall Paterson sits down with historian and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke to talk about why the beachheads in Normandy were so critical, his father's experience there, what happened next in the war and why there are parallels between now and then as Vladimir Putin threatens Europe. Plus, Royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills on the events in Normandy today commemorating D-Day. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

Manchester City – a Premier League club with deep pockets thanks to its Abu Dhabi owners – is taking the league to court. It’s over the current Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules which determine whether sponsorship deals are financially ‘fair’ and require independent valuation for such deals.The rules aim to prevent clubs from inflating sponsorship deals with companies linked to their owners, ensuring fair competition. Man City claim the rules restrict their ability to raise revenue, are unlawful and discriminatory. They argue that sponsors, like those with ties to their Abu Dhabi ownership, should have free rein to set sponsorship prices. Niall Paterson is joined by our business correspondent Paul Kelso to explain City’s legal action, and the potential repercussions for the Premier League. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Philly Beaumont

This week marks 80 years since the D-Day landings, a key turning point of World War II. Sky News has spoken to some of the few remaining veterans who were involved in the Normandy landings about their memories of that day. Host Niall Paterson explores the stories of radio operator Marie Scott, Ken Hay who served in the 43rd Essex regiment and landed on the beaches, and Bill Gladden of the 6th Airborne Reconnaissance Regiment who flew into Normandy on a glider. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Sir Keir Starmer could be heading to Downing Street with a majority of 194 seats, bigger than what Tony Blair achieved in 1997, according to the first polling projection by YouGov of the campaign. The projection shows a historic Labour landslide, with the party getting the highest number of seats of any party at an election in history. At the same time, the Tories are trying to boost ratings by talking about culture wars while Labour is talking about real wars in terms of what they would do for defence. And Nigel Farage has announced he's standing for Reform UK. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig about the poll and today’s developments, and to Scarlett Maguire, director of the polling organisation JL Partners.Producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Philly Beaumont

Donald Trump has become the first-ever former American president to be convicted of a crime. A New York jury found him guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money he paid to bury a sex scandal ahead of the 2016 presidential election. On this Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire speaks to Sky's US correspondent James Matthews about how the trial unfolded and what it could mean for this year's White House race. Political commentator and Trump biographer Michael Wolff also joins the podcast to discuss the choice that US voters now have between an increasingly unpopular incumbent or a convicted criminal. Podcast Producer: Sydney Pead Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour's Angela Rayner speaks to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby in an extended interview for the Daily podcast.The party’s deputy leader says that she believes Diane Abbott should be able to stand as an MP - and she denied leader Sir Keir Starmer was acting "in a factional way".On the first official day of campaigning, she also spoke about the investigations into her living arrangements - and revealed the details of her campaign battle bus.Producer: Soila Apparicio Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

It's been 30 years since Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress (ANC) to power, ending apartheid in South Africa. But as voters head to the polls, the party is on the verge of losing dominance, after coming under fire over corruption, high levels of crime and economic woes. Even in the birthplace of the late human rights fighter, communities are suffering from poverty, hunger and no running water. On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin speaks to Sky’s Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir about the decline of Mandela’s legacy, the party’s decreasing popularity and what happens if they lose power. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

In her first major campaign speech, Rachel Reeves has pitched herself as the UK's next chancellor to an audience of company bosses, promising the "most pro-growth Treasury in our country's history" if Labour wins the election. But after pledging not to announce any new tax hikes and that Labour policies would be fully funded and costed, how she intends to pay for Labour's plan for the UK remains unclear. Today on the Sky News Daily, Sophy Ridge speaks with our deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss the woman hoping to be in charge of the public finances, and whether Labour will be able to please workers and businesses while delivering on a promise of "economic stability" at the same time. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

After avoiding public scrutiny for nearly a decade, Paula Vennells, the former Post Office boss, finally faced questions about her role in the most widespread miscarriage of justice that Britain has ever seen.She has been giving evidence at the Post Office Horizon Inquiry for the last three days – and today she was accused by lawyers of talking "rubbish" and being in "la la land".Sky's Jonathan Samuels spoke to Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso who's been at the Post Office Inquiry for us.Plus, a record number of Conservative MPs have now said they are not standing in July's general election. Political correspondent Rob Powell talks to Jonathan about that and all the other latest news from the election campaigns. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

The political parties have been setting out their election campaigns, with voters going to the polls exactly six weeks from today. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to deputy political editor Sam Coates who is following the prime minister on his campaign trail around the UK, visiting four nations in two days. He also chats with chief political correspondent Jon Craig about the launch of Labour's campaign in Kent. Plus, Sky's online campaign correspondent Tom Cheshire tells Niall why the parties are spending big money online and whether it could affect the election outcome. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

The prime minister has called a general election for 4 July. It means parliament only has a few days to pass any bills still waiting to become law before MPs leave Westminster to begin campaigning. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson gets the very latest from our deputy political editor Sam Coates and political correspondent Tamara Cohen on why the election was announced today, and what the next six weeks of campaigning could have in store. Producers: Rosie Gillott Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

The former Post Office boss, Paula Vennells, has been testifying at the Inquiry examining the Horizon IT scandal.It's the first time Paula Vennells has spoken publicly in nearly ten years.The hundreds of wronged Post Office workers, and their families, have been keenly anticipating her evidence, as, on her watch, prosecutions continued, despite mounting evidence that there was something wrong with the system.On the Sky News Daily, Sarah-Jane Mee has been in Fenny Compton, in the village hall where Alan Bates began his campaign against the Post Office, to meet the sub-postmasters whose lives were ruined by Horizon.Plus, one former sub-postmistress, Nicole, shares her story for the first time.Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Soila ApparicioEditor: Wendy ParkerPodcast Promotion: Jada-Kai Meosa John

How do we help people keep their jobs and livelihoods alongside the pressure to move to an environmentally friendly and sustainable future? It's been estimated that 1.3 million jobs in the UK could be affected by the drive to get to net zero emissions - many in traditional industries such as steelmaking. Sophy Ridge presents this episode with Sky News' people and politics correspondent Nick Martin whose reporting has been focusing on Port Talbot in south Wales where thousands are employed in the steel industry. Plus, following severe turbulence on a London to Singapore flight where one passenger, a 73-year-old British man died, "likely from a heart attack" and more than two dozen injured, Sophy speaks to pilot and aviation consultant Tim Atkinson about how commercial pilots plan for, and deal with, turbulence. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

The infected blood scandal was "not an accident" and its failures lie with "successive governments, the NHS, and blood services", a public inquiry has found. More than 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from 1970 to 1991 after being given contaminated blood products and transfusions - about 3,000 of whom have since died.Sir Brian Langstaff, who chaired the inquiry, said the scale of what happened was "horrifying". On the Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet talks to Sky's health correspondent Ashish Joshi about the report and Rosamund Cooper who was given blood products contaminated with Hepatitis C. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Thousands of people died after being given infected blood transfusions by the NHS. They were people with haemophilia, women giving birth, and cancer patients who died after contracting HIV or Hepatitis C from infected blood. An inquiry has been studying millions of pages of evidence from hundreds of sources and witnesses for six years. From its source in the early 1970s via warnings, missed opportunities, delays and perhaps even deliberate cover ups, this episode of the Sky News Daily explores the story behind the worst treatment scandal in NHS history. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke in preparation for the final report from the inquiry - due to be published on Monday. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Wendy Parker

China's Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin have met in Beijing – promoting their alliance and their new ‘world order’ away from the West. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s Asia correspondent Nicole Johnston in Beijing and Sky’s Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett to discuss the highlights of the summit so far.Plus, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer made a key speech to lay out six pledges ahead of his election campaign. Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates joins Niall to unpick the key moments. Producer: Soila ApparicioEditor: Paul Stanworth

Hundreds of young men have died trying to use boats to get from Senegal to the Canary Islands. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson hears about what's been called the "deadliest and busiest migrant passage in the world". Niall is joined by our Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir who has been to the fishing town of Mbour on the Senegalese coast to see the scale of the problem. Plus, in the UK, our communities correspondent Becky Johnson has been speaking to asylum seekers who say they're considering not attending appointments which are a condition of their immigration bail. It comes as the Home Office tries to trace thousands of missing asylum seekers, with a view to deporting some of them to Rwanda in a bid to deter illegal small boat Channel crossings. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Anti-obesity jabs like Ozempic could reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes or heart failure in obese people regardless of the amount of weight they lose while on the drug. Researchers found after three years of treatment participants had a 20% lower risk of obesity and its associated health impacts, which currently cost the NHS over £6bn per year. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore about the implications of reducing heart disease cases for the NHS, and senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University Dr Simon Cork explains how the wonder-drug actually works. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

A landmark parliamentary inquiry into traumatic childbirths has called for an overhaul of the UK's maternity services after finding poor care is "all-too-frequently tolerated as normal". The report calls for a new maternity commissioner who will report to the prime minister, better staffing levels on maternity wards, and for mothers to be listened to more. On the Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet speaks to campaigner and mother-of-two Tinuke Awe about her experiences of giving birth and is joined by Sky correspondent Laura Bundock to find out what the government plans to do to address the issues raised in the report. Producer: Rosie Gillott Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Editor: Wendy Parker

Across the UK anger is brewing among farmers. Protests have already been held in London, Dover and Wales, with more on the way - mirroring similar tensions seen across Europe in the last six months. Their anger is focused on cheap foreign imports and changes to subsidies forcing farmers to give up land in favour of environmental schemes. But what does this mean for the food on our table - and is British produce now a luxury product for the wealthy only? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by West of England and Wales correspondent Dan Whitehead to find out why farmers are so concerned, and speaks to Liz Webster, the founder of Save British Farming, about why she believes eating British isn't just good for our farmers - it's good for the nation's health, too. In response to our report, Farming Minister Mark Spencer, said:“We firmly back our farmers. British farming is at the heart of British trade, and we put agriculture at the forefront of any deals we negotiate, prioritising new export opportunities, protecting UK food standards and removing market access barriers.“We’ve maintained the £2.4 billion annual farming budget and recently set out the biggest ever package of grants which supports farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably.”The Welsh government said: “A successful future for Welsh farming should combine the best of our traditional farming alongside cutting-edge innovation and diversification. It will produce the very best of Welsh food to the highest standards, while safeguarding our precious environment and addressing the urgent call of the climate and nature emergencies.” Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

On this episode, Niall speaks to one of the doctors who worked to restore the hearing of an 18-month-old girl – who was born deaf. Medics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge have used gene therapy to help a rare condition, auditory neuropathy. It’s caused by the disruption of nerve impulses travelling from the inner ear to the brain. Opal Sandy can now respond to her parents’ voices and can communicate words such as “Dada” and “bye-bye”. Plus, Natalie Elphicke, the MP who defected from the Conservatives to Labour yesterday, apologises for comments she made after her ex-husband, and predecessor as MP for Dover, was convicted of sexual assault in 2020. She said at the time that being "attractive" and "attracted to women" had made him an "easy target". Niall talks to deputy political editor Sam Coates about the disquiet within Labour about Mrs Elphicke’s arrival. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

The UK media regulator has set out new rules for social media companies designed to keep children safe online. The new Ofcom rules include age verification and reformulating algorithms to keep children away from "toxic" content. But parents whose children have died as a result of exposure to harmful content have called the rules an "insult". On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson is joined by technology correspondent at the Financial Times Cristina Criddle to discuss what the measures are and how they can be delivered. Niall is also joined by John Carr, who is on the government's principal advisory body for online safety and security for children, to discuss the challenges of enforcing the rules and if they go far enough to protect children. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

The Israeli Defense Force says it has taken 'operational control' of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, the main entry point for aid into the region. It comes less than 24 hours after Hamas said they would accept a ceasefire deal drawn up by Egyptian mediators. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to explore why Israel rejected the deal, saying it fell "far from meeting" its "core demands", and Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Middle East negotiator under Republican and Democratic US administrations. Producer: Rosie Gillott Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Labour are celebrating big wins in the Blackpool South by-election, in the local elections and in most of the mayoral races that have declared so far. The Conservatives could lose up to 500 councillors, though their candidate Ben Houchen did hold on to his role as mayor of Tees Valley. A win which gave the prime minister something to be pleased about and will probably help him keep his job for now. But are these grim results for the Tories enough to see Labour winning the next election? Sky News's projection is that it won't be. They will be the largest party but short of an overall majority. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson talks to Professor Michael Thrasher who carried out the analysis and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates on what signals we can take from these results. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

Thousands of fans have been left frustrated after Manchester’s newest venue delayed its launch again after a string of technical problems.The Co-op Live arena will be the UK’s largest indoor arena accommodating 23,500 people at a cost of £365m - but it’s yet to officially open its doors, cancelling tours from Peter Kay, Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s chief North of England correspondent Greg Milam to find out what is behind the delays as well as Pauline Forster, landlady at a gig venue, which has launched several celebrity careers. They discuss the realities and costs of running a small gig venue and why such spaces are important. Also on the podcast, Niall gets the latest from the university protests in the US, where riot police have been firing rubber bullets at protesters refusing to disperse from campus. Sky’s US correspondent Martha Kelner shares her eyewitness account from University of California. Producers: Rosie Gillott and Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Violent protests over the Israel-Hamas war have reached boiling point across university campuses in the United States.Pro-Palestinian protesters are demanding their universities cut ties with Israel or any companies that support its ongoing war in Gaza.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson gets eyewitness analysis from US correspondent Mark Stone in George Washington University. They discuss the arrests, tear gas and counter-protest violence that is taking over universities. Plus, Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, a historian at the University of New Orleans and author of ‘Resistance from the Right: Conservatives and the Campus Wars’, looks at how these protests compare to others the US has seen and analyses if the action could lead to change. Producer: Soila Apparicio and Emma Rae WoodhouseEditor: Philly Beaumont

The King has returned to official public duties for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer. Alongside the Queen, he visited a cancer treatment centre to meet staff and patients as part of his new role as patron of Cancer Research UK.Sources have stressed that despite his return to public engagements, the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills and NBC royal commentator Daisy McAndrew to discuss how the Palace has managed this turbulent period and how it has been received on both sides of the Atlantic. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Rosie GillottPodcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has resigned – days after he cut the SNP's power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. It followed a bitter row over the SNP's climbdown on climate targets as he said the agreement between the parties had "served its purpose". As a result, his former Green allies teamed up with the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats to get behind two no-confidence motions, one in himself as leader of Scotland and another regarding the entire Scottish government. Now – attention turns to another SNP leadership contest and what the divisions in Scottish politics could mean for the future of the independence campaign. On the Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet speaks to Paul Hutcheon, political editor of the Daily Record, and Shona Craven, from The National, about how the SNP can move on after Mr Yousaf's resignation. Plus, Connor Gillies, our Scotland correspondent, explains how the leadership election will unfold. Producer: Rosie Gillott Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Philly Beaumont

The 2 May local elections will have more than 2,600 seats are at stake across 107 English councils. Labour’s Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 city mayors up for re-election. Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election. With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for the prime minister’s future and where the key political backgrounds are. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Soila Apparicio Podcast promotions producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour have promised to renationalise nearly all passenger railways within their first term if they win the next election. But will it leave the railways better off? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's political correspondent Sam Coates to discuss the details of Labour's plan and assess if a Great British Railway would be more efficient and cost-effective than the current privatised system. Niall also speaks to the editor of Rail magazine, Nigel Harris, to discuss the current state of our railways and what he believes needs to change. Elsewhere in politics, the Scottish government has ended its power-sharing agreement with the Greens. Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies discusses the implications of this for both parties – including a motion of no confidence in First Minister Humza Yousaf. Producers: Iona Brunker, Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

Only two months ago Joe Biden joined the social media platform TikTok with a video captioned "lol hey guys". Now, the US president is poised to sign a bill that could ban the popular app - unless its parent company sells it. The country is concerned that TikTok's owner, Beijing-based tech firm ByteDance, could be forced by Chinese authorities to hand over the user data of almost 170 million American app users. On this episode, Niall Paterson unpicks the possible ban with Arthi Nachiappan, our technology correspondent. Plus, Chris Stokel-Walker, author of TikTok Boom: China's Dynamite App And The Superpower Race For Social Media, joins Niall to discuss the app's impact in the US - as well as China's influence on technology. Since recording this episode, TikTok CEO, Shou Chew said in a statement: "This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court. We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail."As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired."Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Assistant producer: Iona BrunkerPromotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

After months of parliamentary ping-pong between the House of Commons and the Lords, Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill has passed. The prime minister called it a "landmark" law, saying that "nothing will stand in our way" of getting flights off the ground within 10 to 12 weeks. However, the scheme could face yet more hurdles, with the potential for it to be held up by challenges in court. On this episode, Matt Barbet takes stock of the bill with Adam Parsons, Sky's Europe editor in France, who has been watching migrant boats cross the English Channel even after the bill's passing. Sky's communities correspondent Becky Johnson also joins Matt to share some of the stories from those asylum seekers already in the UK and what they might expect from the Rwanda bill. And Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, details the potential impact this new legislation might have on migration figures. Producer: Rosie Gillott Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

As the first of Donald Trump's four criminal trials begins this week, will it have any effect on his chances of re-election in November? The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. He is accused of falsifying internal business records as part of an alleged scheme to bury stories that he thought might hurt his presidential campaign in 2016. With all eyes on the New York courtroom, Daily host Matt Barbet speaks to US correspondent James Matthews from outside the first trial Trump will face this year... plus, Washington-based pollster John Zogby explains what it could mean for his popularity amongst voters. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

An Israeli missile has struck Iran, in response to the unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend by the Iranians. It seems an airfield outside of the city of Isfahan was targeted, but Tehran has played down the incident and has indicated it has no plans to retaliate. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell to find out what exactly happened in the latest attack and what it says about Israel's and Iran's respective military strengths. Plus, Niall is also joined by Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to analyse where this leaves tension in the Middle East. Producer: Rosie Gillott & Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people". Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also allege he used campaign funds to pay his personal medical bills. On the Conservatives' investigation into the claims, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News: "There's further information that the Chief Whip I understand became familiar with yesterday and actions being swiftly taken on the basis of that further information."I think it is important to stress that the MP in question here denies the allegations and so on basis of sort of fairness and proper justice, I think it's important to mention that."On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political correspondent Darren McCaffrey to analyse how Westminster will cope with another scandal. Plus, the Scottish government has come under fire for rowing back on its climate commitments. Niall speaks to science correspondent Thomas Moore about the consequences of the government missing eight out of 12 of its annual climate commitments. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada Meosa-John Editors: Paul Stanworth

The price of everyday things - mainly food - is now rising at the lowest level since 2021. Official data shows inflation eased last month to 3.2% - down from 3.4% - but the fall was slightly less than economists expected. On the Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what's going on with inflation and what it might mean for interest rates with Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway - who's in the US looking at the situation there. They also discuss how the UK could be importing inflation from America. Plus, Niall talks to Russ Mould, investment director at finance firm AJ Bell, about what's happening at the fashion retailer ASOS which says it's becoming "more agile" after an 18% drop in sales. Producer: Rosie Gillott Assistant Producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

'Absolutely nuts' was how former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Rishi Sunak’s plan to gradually phase out smoking – banning anyone born since the start of 2009 from ever being able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products like vapes. Liz Truss, who was also briefly prime minister in-between the two men, is also among some critical of the proposal – which she described as 'profoundly unconservative'. Tories are being given a free vote in the Commons – allowing them to vote with their conscience, not necessarily the government. But will the policy create a smokefree generation? And what will it mean for Conservative Party ideology? Niall Paterson looks at the health implications with Alice Wiseman, vice president of The Association of Directors of Public Health, and the politics of the policy with Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby and Tory peer Lord Frost, who disagrees with the planned legislation. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: Iona Brunker Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editors: Philly Beaumont and Paul Stanworth