This Is Why

Ian Harrison is 33 and has spent his adult life on the streets. He's among more than an estimated 270,000 homeless people in England. Sky News has been following Ian's journey as a government promise - to end rough sleeping by next year - looks in serious doubt. It was a target set by the Conservatives in their 2019 election manifesto - but a report by the Kerslake Commission is warning it will be missed, blaming "chronic and unresolved" issues in the housing system as it reports a 26% rise in rough sleeping compared with last year. The commission was set up in 2021 to learn lessons from the response to homelessness during the COVID pandemic - the same year, an estimated 741 homeless people died in England and Wales. Most were men and drugs, alcohol and suicide were the likely related causes. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood speaks to our producer Sarah O'Connell, who first met Ian when he was a teenager, to find out about the challenges he has faced over the years. Plus, Sally is joined by Emma Haddad, chief executive of the homelessness charity St Mungo's - the secretariat of the Kerslake Commission, as they discuss the wider problems and what they think is needed to end rough sleeping.While we've got you... please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey - click here. Podcast producers: Soila Apparicio and Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

It seems everything is moving online these days, so it’s perhaps no surprise that kids TV is too. CITV, ITV’s children’s channel, is no longer; it’s moving to the company’s streaming service, ITVx. Its BBC equivalent, CBBC, is expected to also be online-only in the next few years. Many children now, though, just go to YouTube to watch their shows.But with an ongoing decrease in funding for kids’ TV and the move to the less regulated streaming platforms there are concerns about the impact the quality of programmes and online safety.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson explores the issue with former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, and Jon Hancock, who’s company Three Arrows Media makes shows for Sky Kids and BBC Childrens.If you like your arts and entertainment, why not subscribe to the Backstage podcast?And, if you're a parent, you can find Sky's ad-free, 24-hour Sky Kids channel on Sky Q, Stream, Glass, and NOW.Podcast producer: David Chipakupaku Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker

The King and Queen are on a state visit to France this week, which includes stops in Paris and Bordeaux. The three-day trip would have been Charles’ first royal visit abroad as King back in March – but it was delayed due to the violent protests taking place over President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reforms. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by François-Joseph Schichan, former French diplomat and political adviser to the French ambassador in the UK, to explore how our closest ally views both the King and the UK’s current politics. Plus, former Labour foreign secretary Dame Margaret Beckett takes us through her assessment of the current strength of Anglo-French relations.Producer: Soila Apparicio Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Interview Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

The reaction - to a move by Rishi Sunak to delay the government’s green policies – has been mixed to say the least, with opposition parties slamming the prime minister’s leadership as “weak” and the decision “damaging” for the climate. As net zero sceptics cheered there was criticism from some in the car industry and the more environmentally minded Conservative politicians. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our science correspondent Thomas Moore and Politico’s UK editor Jack Blanchard for their analysis and a deeper look at what it all means politically, as well as for voters, industry and climate change. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Sky News has uncovered how online streamers may be breaking UK gambling laws by promoting crypto casinos - and there are questions over whether the casinos are doing enough to monitor this. Crypto casinos are similar to 'normal' online casinos, offering virtual versions of popular games like slot machines. The difference is they use digital currencies: players convert pounds, euros and dollars into virtual cash such as Bitcoin to gamble with. This type of casino is illegal in the UK, with the Gambling Commission taking a hardline stance against any operator that accepts cryptocurrency as a direct method of payment. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood explores crypto casinos with our investigative reporter Sanya Burgess, and what harms they could cause.Podcast producer: Soila ApparicioPromotions producer: David ChipakupakuEditor: Wendy Parker

Actor and comedian Russell Brand has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse in a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches. Brand says he "absolutely" denies the allegations. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Head of Investigations at The Times, Paul Morgan-Bentley, about the allegations Brand faces and the latest on the investigation. Plus, Alice Enders, head of research at Enders Analysis, discusses if the entertainment industry is being held accountable for protecting women in the workplace. A warning that on this podcast we discuss the details of the sexual assault and rape claims. *While we've got you...please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey - Click herePodcast producer: Alex Edden and Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Adam Jay

Rescuers are calling for more body bags to be sent to a Libyan city hit by catastrophic flooding - as fears of waterborne diseases grow.More than 11,300 people are known to have died - and this could reach up to 20,000, with a further 10,100 missing.Meanwhile, attempts to coordinate humanitarian aid have been hampered by Libya's fractured government - caused by years of political instability and civil unrest.Today on Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks with Sky News Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir from the port city of Derna, which was devastated when two dams collapsed, unleashing a tsunami that washed entire city blocks into the Mediterranean Sea.Sky News special correspondent Alex Crawford also joins Niall from Derna, as rescue teams scramble to find survivors in the rubble.This podcast contains graphic descriptions.*While we've got you...please take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on our podcasts and your listening preferences by filling in a short survey. Click herePodcast Producer: Soila ApparicioPromotions Producer: David ChipakupakuEditor: Adam Jay

Important figures on employment, wages, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have been released this week; all tell a story about how the UK economy is performing. The Sky News Daily's Niall Paterson sits down with our economics and data editor Ed Conway to find out what the numbers mean. Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Adam Jay

Every day more than 3000 pupils miss school because they have been suspended. It’s a record number that has shot up since the pandemic, especially for girls, who are being sent home at twice the national rate.It’s raised concerns these suspended students are slipping through the cracks, but leading teachers say a national shortage of alternative forms of education is putting unprecedented demand on the system. Today’s Sky News Daily episode features Nick Martin on his investigation into this growing educational crisis, a head teacher trying to provide a new path for troubled children and a mother who fears her child will get left behind.Podcast Producer: Alex Edden Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Editor: Wendy Parker

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has crossed the border into Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. This is the first time since 2019 that Kim has left North Korea – and a lot has changed since then. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson sits down with security and defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke and Sky’s Moscow correspondent Diana Magnay to unpick what each leader is looking to gain from this meeting, plus how their alliance will impact global security. Producer: Alex Edden Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

The emergence of a new COVID variant, BA.2.8, has pushed forward the winter vaccination programme, with the rollout starting on Monday in England for older adult care home residents and immunosuppressed people. All over-65s will be offered the jab during the next few weeks. The other nations are also beginning their vaccination programmes this month. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), to discuss the new variant, and the importance of getting vulnerable people vaccinated. Plus, our chief correspondent Stuart Ramsey talks to Niall from the epicentre of the earthquake in Morocco, which has killed 2,500 people so far. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Soila ApparicioInterviews Producer: Melissa TutesigensiPromotions Producer: David ChipakupakuEditor: Wendy Parker

It's been one year since King Charles took to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.In this episode of the Sky News Daily podcast, royal correspondent Laura Bundock takes to the presenter chair to reflect on the first year of King Charles's reign.She is joined by the broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, a close friend of the King, plus historian Sir Anthony Seldon, the headmaster of Epsom College.Producer: Alex Edden Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Terror suspect Daniel Khalife's escape from HMP Wandsworth – believed to be by strapping himself underneath a delivery lorry - led to a police manhunt involving all 43 forces in England and Wales. The 21-year-old ex-soldier was on remand charged with collecting information which might be useful to an enemy, understood to be Iran. The justice secretary, Alex Chalk, has told MPs that an independent investigation will take place, while suggestions have been made that cuts to the Prison Service and overcrowded conditions at Wandsworth prison are partly to blame. But what does his escape tell us about the state of the prison system in England? On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson speaks to David Shipley, a former inmate at HMP Wandsworth, and Professor John Podmore, an ex-prison governor and inspector, about what's wrong with Wandsworth prison and others across the country? Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Birmingham City Council, Europe's largest local authority, has effectively declared bankruptcy, confirming in a statement that all new spending except for protecting vulnerable people and statutory services, must stop immediately.But how does a council go bust?On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our politics and business correspondent Mhari Aurora, as well as Iain Murray from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, who explains how a council can run out of money. Plus, Sarah Hayward shares her experiences working as part Slough Council's senior leadership team, a role she came into a year after its recovery from bankruptcy. Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

China's economy has slipped into deflation as consumer prices declined in July for the first time in more than two years.Ballooning local government debt, weak import and exports, challenges in the housing market, and growing youth unemployment are all contributing to the country's downturn. On the Sky News Daily Dominic Waghorn speaks to our Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith about why China's economy is running out of steam. Plus, George Magnus, economist and associate at Oxford University's China Centre talks about the potential impacts for the global economy ahead of the G20 summit.Podcast producers: Emma-Rae Woodhouse, Sydney Pead and Soila Apparicio Podcast promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

MPs returned to Westminster after their summer break, but the same can't be said for thousands of children expected in classrooms for the Autumn term – due to the crumbling concrete crisis. More than 100 schools stayed shut on Monday due to safety fears about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete - or RAAC – while the education secretary Gillian Keegan was caught on camera complaining about not being thanked for doing a "f***ing good job" over it all. On the Sky News Daily, Rob Powell speaks to Adrian Tagg, Building Surveying lead at the University of Reading about how far the crisis may spread. Plus, Sky's Sophy Ridge joins Rob to talk about the political fallout of the RAAC crisis, Labour's reshuffle and the possibility of a new by-election, as her new show The Politics Hub begins on Monday evening. Podcast producer: Emma-Rae WoodhouseInterviews producer: Alex EddenPodcast promotion producer: David ChipakupakuSenior podcast producer: Annie Joyce​​​​​​​Editor: Wendy Parker

It's been 20 years since the Iraq war and the capture of dictator Saddam Hussein.Once Saddam was found, he was kept prisoner in his palace with 12 US soldiers guarding him. Saddam proved to be great company and the troops developed a strong friendship with him - they would play chess with him, exercise with him, and talk about their lives.One soldier, Specialist Adam Rogerson, has spoken to the Sky News Daily podcast about his very personal experience guarding Saddam Hussein until his death.Podcast producer: Soila Apparicio Producer: Tom Gillespie Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editors: Paul Stanworth and Wendy Parker

Former transport and energy secretary Grant Shapps has been named as the new head of the Ministry of Defence after Ben Wallace stood down from the role on Thursday morning. Mr Wallace had overseen one of the biggest international responses to the war in Ukraine - with the UK behind only the US in terms of support since the war began, having committed £4.6bn in military assistance. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and military analyst Professor Michael Clarke to discuss the significance of Mr Shapps' new role given the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as turning their attention to the use of drone technology on the battlefield. Podcast producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Alex Edden Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Since their World Cup victory, the Spanish team's success has been overshadowed by Spanish football president Luis Rubiales non-consensually kissing player Jenni Hermoso. Hermoso described the actions of Rubiales as an "impulse-driven, sexist out-of-place act without any consent". Rubiales denies this and says it was "spontaneous" and "mutual". The kiss has caused a backlash across football and in Spain, where protesters have called for action "to demand a sport free of sexist violence". On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to football commentator and founding member of Women in Football, Jacqui Oatley about how far the treatment and representation of women in the sport has come, and how far it still has to go. Plus, Spanish journalist Maria Ramírez on why the kiss has sparked its own hashtag #SeAcabó and a MeToo moment that reaches far beyond football. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Interviews producer: Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

The travel plans of hundreds of thousands of people were thrown into chaos on one of the busiest days of the year for airports, as the UK's air traffic control systems suffered a "technical fault". UK airports are still struggling to recover from the hours-long failure of processing flight plans – with warnings delays could last for days. Downing Street has ruled out a cyberattack, but there is speculation that an incorrect flight plan filed by a French airline could be to blame. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what went wrong and if a similar problem could happen again. His guests are former air traffic controller Michele Robson, who was stuck at Jersey airport yesterday, and travel editor for The Independent, Simon Calder. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Alex Edden Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku ​​​​​​​Editor: Paul Stanworth

One of the biggest mafia trials in Italian history is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming weeks. Prosecutors have asked for sentences totalling more than 4,000 years in jail for hundreds of alleged ‘Ndrangheta collaborators. One prosecutor of the ‘Ndrangheta, Nicola Gratteri, cannot travel without a heavy police escort, nor see his children for more than a few hours every couple of months. On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our Europe correspondent Siobhan Robbins, who has visited the court where hundreds of ‘Ndrangheta collaborators will be tried, to hear more about what it takes to put this powerful mafia behind bars. Producer: Soila ApparicioPromotions Producer: Jim FarthingEditor: Wendy Parker

Russians have been paying tribute to Yevgeny Prigozhin after it was reported the Wagner leader was among ten people who died when a private jet crashed near Moscow on Wednesday.President Putin has praised his former ally as a “talented businessman” who worked “with good results” in Russia and across Africa, but also said he had “made serious mistakes in his life”. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson takes a deep dive into what it means for President Putin’s hold on power, the war in Ukraine and whether it’s the end of the Wagner group. Niall is joined by our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and military analyst Sean Bell. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Russian aviation authorities say Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was among ten people killed in a plane crash near Moscow on Wednesday. Earlier this summer, the mercenary group leader led a short-lived mutiny against Russia’s top brass. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell as they examine what we can glean from footage of the private jet falling to the ground, reaction to the crash, and Prigozhin’s relationship with President Vladimir Putin. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

Japan is due to start releasing treated radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, despite opposition from neighbouring countries. A 9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's east coast in 2011, killing 18,000 people and displacing a further 150,000 from an exclusion zone around the plant. Some 1.34 million tonnes of water - enough to fill 500 Olympic-size pools - have been stored in tanks since a tsunami destroyed the plant, but space is now running out. The water will be released over a 30-year period after being filtered and diluted. On the Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson, our Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith describes the mood in neighbouring countries opposing the water release. Plus, Jim Smith, professor of environmental science at the University of Portsmouth dispels concerns about the levels of radiation, insisting there is no need to worry. Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: Alex Edden Editor: Philly Beaumont

New data published on the rate of drug deaths in Scotland show they have decreased, after decades of constant rises, but the number is still higher than the rest of Europe. Just over 1,000 people in Scotland died as a result of drug misuse in 2022, the lowest number since 2017. On the Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson, our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies combs through the latest figures, while Professor Catriona Matheson, an expert in substance misuse from the University of Stirling, describes possible solutions to reducing deaths further, including decriminalisation. Plus, Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh details the impact of drug misuse in Scotland. Senior Podcast Producer: Annie Joyce Podcast Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: Alex Edden Editor: Paul Stanworth

Britain's worst child serial killer Lucy Letby will spend the rest of her life in prison. But the former neonatal nurse refused to appear in court to hear either the victim statements or the judge hand down a whole-life sentence. One of the baby victims' mothers has called Letby's defiance a "final act of wickedness from a coward". On the Sky News Daily, Sky News‘ home editor Jason Farrell discusses if defendants should be forced to face their victims in court. He speaks to legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg and Farah Naz, the aunt of Zara Aleena who was murdered in 2022. Farah Naz was forced to give her victim statement to an empty dock when her niece's killer refused to appear. Podcast producer: Rosie GillottInterviews producer: Alex Edden Editor: Paul Stanworth

Lucy Letby has been found guilty of murdering seven babies while working on a neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. The 33-year-old nurse was also convicted of seven counts of attempted murder following a trial that lasted nine months.Families of her victims sobbed and comforted each other in court as the jury delivered their verdicts over several days. On the Sky News Daily, we hear from some of the relatives as host Niall Paterson is joined by our correspondent Katerina Vittozzi, who has been following the trial at Manchester Crown Court. Podcast producers: Rosie Gillott and Soila Apparicio Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth and Wendy Parker

With six wins and a place in the World Cup final under their belt, the Lionesses have a fighting chance of bringing football home for England. But who is the woman at the helm? Manager Sarina Wiegman took over as Lionesses manager in 2020 and is the first non-Brit to lead the team, originally from the Netherlands. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Rob Harris, our sports correspondent, to talk about Wiegman's career history, and Jeanet van der Laan, the England manager’s former Ter Leede and Netherlands teammate to hear what she's like on and off the pitch. Podcast producers: Rosie Gillott and Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Alex Edden Editor: Paul Stanworth

Students waiting for their A-level results this year are the "unluckiest cohort" in recent years, according to one education expert. Pandemic disruption, rising grade boundaries, and a larger than average number of people applying for university places have all placed pressure on A-level grades. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Grace Brookes, who picks up her A-level results on Thursday, about the challenges she's faced since the pandemic. The vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University Chris Husbands explains the pressures on universities themselves, and Professor of Social Mobility, Lee Elliot Major explains why he believes the 2023 intake are the unluckiest in a generation. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer Rosie Gillott – podcast producer Alex Edden – interviews producer David Chipakupaku – podcast promotion producer Paul Stanworth - editor

The deadliest wildfires to hit the US in over a century have turned vast swathes of the island of Maui to ash and taken the lives of at least 99 people. The governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, has warned that the number killed will rise as only 25% of the affected area has been searched so far. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson hears from our US correspondent Martha Kelner, who is in Maui, about the devastation she's seen there and the questions being asked by locals about a sophisticated warning system that failed to alert them to the imminent danger. Podcast producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Social Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

It was billed as 'small boats week' – a series of government announcements designed to show progress on the issue of cross channel migration. But the reality of the last seven days has got in the way. The 30 or so migrants who had been moved on to a housing barge off Dorset had to be moved out after Legionella was found onboard and Thursday also saw the highest daily number of people crossing the channel this year On the Sky News Daily, Rob Powell asks Peter Walsh, from the Migration Observatory, if migration policies impact people's decisions to travel to the UK, and he speaks to fellow political correspondent Amanda Akass about why the Government has picked ending small boats crossings as one of its five pledges ahead of the next election. Podcast producers: Rosie Gillott and Soila Apparicio Interviews producer: Alex Edden Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

This month marks the 60th anniversary of the Great Train Robbery, one of Britain's most notorious crimes, which involved the hijack of a London-bound Royal Mail train and the theft of millions of pounds. Bruce Reynolds planned the robbery with a 15-strong gang of thieves, crooks and conspirers, becoming one of the most notorious criminals in British history. Bruce's son said he never realised his father was a criminal. On the Sky News Daily, presenter Sally Lockwood is joined by Nick Reynolds, the son of Bruce, to hear about growing up on the run, and our crime correspondent Martin Brunt, to explore why we're so fascinated by the Great Train Robbery 60 years later. Producers: Rosie Gillott, Soila Apparicio, Alex Edden Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Football’s world governing body FIFA wants pay and prize money for men and women to be the same by the next tournaments. But how it gets there is a little less clear. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood is joined from Australia by our sport correspondent Rob Harris and Lioness Lucy Staniforth, who was on standby for the World Cup squad. They discuss the financial disparities in the sport, as well as reaction to the tournament so far and – of course – England's chances of World Cup success ahead of their quarter-final match against Colombia on Saturday. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Alex Edden Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

It’s been 100 days since Hollywood writers went on strike over concerns artificial intelligence (AI) will take their jobs - as well as disputes over working conditions and claims of dwindling pay. The looming cloud of AI hangs over all industries, but are writers and actors right to be worried about being stripped of their creativity? On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood is joined by Lisa Holdsworth – a TV and theatre writer, and chair of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain – as well as Dr Alex Connock, senior fellow at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, to talk about how AI is reshaping their industry. She’s also joined by Sky’s arts and entertainment reporter Jayson Mansaray to discuss whether a happy ending is in sight for the strikers. Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Alex Edden Digital Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Niger had been a lone bastion of democracy in West Africa while neighbouring countries were taken over by the military - but it is now also in a crisis following July's coup. The man responsible for protecting President Mohamed Bazoum, who was elected in 2021, has overthrown him - and there could be far-reaching security implications. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood is joined by our Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir, who looks at why the coup has the support of many people in Niger. Plus, defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke examines what the crisis means for counter-terrorism efforts in Africa. Senior podcast producer - Annie JoyceInterviews producer: Alex EddenPodcast promotion producer - David Chipakupaku Editor - Wendy Parker

The Royal Air Force has admitted to discriminating against white male candidates in a hiring policy aimed at increasing diversity. In a Sky News exclusive, security and defence editor Deborah Haynes has discovered none of those involved in creating the policy have been held accountable. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to Deborah about the impact the decisions have had on the men's lives, and whether anyone has been held accountable. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Social promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa-John Editor: Wendy Parker

In this episode, Sahar Zand goes back to speak to Brian Glendinning about his experience in Iraqi jail, and the harrowing impact of his unforeseen arrest. But Brian, compared to some people, is still lucky.For dissidents and opposition figures around the world, the Red Notice is the latest tool for transnational repression by autocratic governments. These people often end up in prison indefinitely, or extradited to the countries they had long fled for safety. With expert analysis from Rhys Davies and Ben Keith - authors of Red Notice Monitor - we take a look at the worst case scenarios for being on the wrong end of a Red Notice.Sahar meets Zeynure and her three children. They are Uyghur exiles living in Istanbul. Zeynure’s husband, Idris Hasan, has been in prison in Morocco for two years facing extradition to China. Uyghur activists like Idris are increasingly at risk of Red Notices, experts tell us, as China has increased its use of Interpol as a tool of transnational repression. Sahar talks to Idris, who says this Red Notice has been a death sentence. A potential return to China is “worse than death.”Plus, Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP who chairs the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, tells Dirty Work about the committee’s “grave concerns” over how the system works. She calls on the Home Office to find a way to inform British nationals if they’re the subject of a malicious red notice.WARNING: This episode contains strong language. Presenter: Sahar Zand Producer: Heidi Pett Senior producer: Sarah Burke Sound designer: James Bradshow Editor: Paul Stanworth

COVID lockdowns may seem a distant memory with everyday life very much back to the pre-pandemic norms. But for children, it seems we may only just be getting a sense of the emotional and behavioural impacts those couple of years have had.Researchers at University College London and the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) this week published a joint study - the first of its kind - looking at the emotional, social and behavioural impacts on kids. Meanwhile, the children's commissioner for England examined NHS data suggesting a big rise in young people being treated for eating disorders.On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to Sarah Cattan from the IFS, and England's former children's commissioner Anne Longfield about the scale of the problem. Plus, Rhys Barfoot, who works for the charity Family Action helping families across the country with financial and mental health issues, offers advice to parents and young people.Senior podcast producer - Annie Joyce Podcast producer – Rosie Gillott Interviews producer – Alex Edden Podcast promotion producer – Jim Farthing Editor – Wendy Parker

The Bank of England has increased its base rate of interest by a quarter of a percentage point to 5.25% - which is lower than some economists had predicted. On the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to our business correspondent Gurpreet Narwan about the decision to raise interest rates for the 14th time in a row. Plus, Sky's data and forensics journalist Daniel Dunford explains why renters could be the hardest hit by rate rises, and Tilly Smith, from campaign group Generation Rent, on its call for the government to offer more support to people renting. Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Interviews producer: Alex Edden Podcast promotion producer: Jim Farthing Editor: Paul Stanworth

Donald Trump has been criminally charged with trying to ‘defraud the United States’ over the 2021 riots at the US Capitol. It’s the most serious legal threat facing the former president, as he attempts to return to the White House in 2024. But it’s by no means the only one – Trump now faces 78 charges across three criminal cases, but still remains frontrunner to become his party’s nominee for next year’s presidential election. On Sky News Daily Niall Paterson is joined by US correspondent James Matthews to discuss how the trials and potential convictions alter the landscape of the Republican presidential race, and the Republican Party overall. Podcast producer: Emma Rae WoodhouseInterviews producer: Alex EddenPodcast promotions producer: David ChipakupakuEditor: Paul Stanworth

A general election is still a long way away, but Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears to already be laying out the Conservative attack lines, focusing on so-called ‘wedge issues’ that could divide the Labour Party. Labour are sitting 17 points ahead in the polls but are facing criticism for seeming to roll back on green policies. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Andrew Fisher, former Labour director of policy under Jeremy Corbyn and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair, to discuss the different approached Labour could take. Plus, Sky’s Chief political correspondent Jon Craig looks back to the last time Labour seemed to be on the brink of a landslide victory.Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Digital promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

President Zelenskyy has said war is coming to Russia after suspected Ukrainian drones hit skyscrapers in a wealthy Moscow neighbourhood. President Putin suggested an African initiative could be a basis for peace talks, but not while Ukrainian forces were on the offensive. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell and Dr Alex Vines, director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, about the Ukrainian counteroffensive and the role African nations could have in any peace negotiations. Annie Joyce – senior podcast producer David Chipakupaku – podcast promotion producerSimon Windsor - archive researcherWendy Parker - editor

Sky News has a new podcast series called Dirty Work - investigating Interpol red notices, which allow police forces to flag their most wanted persons at international borders around the world. In episode two, reporter Sahar Zand continues to follow Brian Glendinning's story - whose Interpol Red Notice raises significant questions about how the system works. Sahar also speaks to Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock, who has given a rare interview talking about why it was his priority to reform a system that had let so many people down.Presenter: Sahar Zand Producer: Heidi PettSenior Producer: Sarah BurkeSound Designer: James Bradshaw Editor: Paul Stanworth

British man Aiden Aslin joined the Ukrainian marines in 2018, but following the Russian invasion in February 2022, he was called up to the frontline in Mariupol. After two months of resistance at the city's steelworks, Aiden and his battalion ran out of supplies. Aiden was part of the mass surrender of over 1,000 Ukrainian troops. Singled out for his British passport, Aiden was brutally interrogated, turned into a propaganda tool, tried by a kangaroo court and then sentenced to death. Aiden was held in Russian captivity for six months, before being released last year in a prisoner of war exchange negotiated by the Saudi authorities. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson sits down with Aiden Aslin to hear his story. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Alex Edden, Rosie Gillott Promotions producers: David Chipakupaku, Jim FarthingEditor: Wendy Parker

Multiple climate reports have been published this week all saying a similar thing: that the UK and wider world are experiencing record temperatures, that humanity is "inducing" climate change and that, unless we cut emissions, things are just going to get even hotter.There are still some people however who believe it’s all hot air; that media coverage of climate stories is “fear mongering” and “manipulating”. But is it the science under scrutiny, or perhaps the path to net zero itself? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our climate change reporter Victoria Seabrook, editor and director of Carbon Brief Leo Hickman, and James Woudhuysen, visiting professor of forecasting and innovation at London South Bank University, to find out why, despite the science, climate scepticism is getting louder. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producerAlex Edden - interviews producer David Chipakupaku - podcast promotions producer Dave Terris - editor

Police at a station in Greater Manchester have been accused of unnecessary and invasive strip searches of women, without explanation, behind cell doors. Sky News has spoken to three women, one of whom was detained for 41 hours and also alleges she was sexually assaulted whilst in custody. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said "there is currently no evidence to suggest any GMP employees have misconducted themselves or committed a criminal offence." On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our home editor Jason Farrell about the story. Plus, following Nigel Farage being dropped by the exclusive bank Coutts, which led to an apology from the BBC and NatWest's boss resigning, Niall sits down with our business correspondent Paul Kelso to hear about the fallout. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Rosie Gillott, Soila Apparicio Interviews producer: Alex Edden Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Barbie and Oppenheimer have put the smiles back on the cinema chains after the difficult years during the pandemic, but could the glow soon wear off? For the first time in 60 years Hollywood actors and writers are on strike at the same time, so what impact will this have on the films we will see and the cinemas that show them? On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our entertainment reporter and Backstage podcast host Claire Gregory to explain the box office success, and VUE International cinemas founder and CEO Timothy Richards on how to keep the momentum going. Annie Joyce - senior podcast producer David Chipakupaku – podcast promotion producer Wendy Parker - editor

Evacuation orders due to wildfires on the Greek island have seen tens of thousands of residents and tourists fleeing the flames. And while wildfires in the region aren’t uncommon, scientists say climate change is increasing the intensity of heatwaves which can trigger fires. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our Europe correspondent in Rhodes, Siobhan Robbins and Rhodes resident Micah Greaves, who tells us how dependent the island is on tourism. Plus, Niall is joined by Robert Colvile, director of the Centre for Policy Studies and former Tory advisor, to discuss if net zero policies can still be vote winners as the row continues over ULEZ expansion in London. Rosie Gillott - podcast producer David Chipakupaku – podcast promotion producer Wendy Parker - editor

Sky News has a new podcast series called Dirty Work which we wanted to share with Daily listeners in our feed.Reporter Sahar Zand has been investigating Interpol red notices - which allow police forces to flag their most wanted persons at international borders around the world. On this episode, we hear from some of those people caught up in the system - who have faced detention, imprisonment, and extradition, with devastating and life-changing consequences.WARNING: This podcast contains strong language. Presenter: Sahar Zand Producers: Heidi Pett and Anne-Marie Bullock Senior Producer: Sarah BurkeSound Designer: James Bradshaw Editor: Paul Stanworth

The Conservatives suffered two heavy defeats in a night of three by-elections, but narrowly held on to former PM Boris Johnson's old Uxbridge seat. Labour made history by overturning a 20,137 majority to take the North Yorkshire seat of Selby and Ainsty. The Lib Dems took Somerton and Frome in a victory Sir Ed Davey said showed his party was "firmly back in the West Country". On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political editor Beth Rigby and elections analyst Dr Hannah Bunting to break down the votes from each of the constituencies, and to look ahead to what this can tell us about the next general election. Rosie Gillott - podcast producer Wendy Parker - editor