This Is Why

As the Sentencing Council in England and Wales examines the potential impact of being pregnant and giving birth in prison, the Sky News Daily podcast hears from women who’ve been through the experience.With Niall Paterson on half-term, Sarah-Jane Mee, who presents Sky News’ UK Tonight show, takes over for this episode.She speaks to Dr Laura Abbott - a midwife and researcher at the University of Hertfordshire - about her research into the dangers of giving birth in prison and Sky News home editor Jason Farrell joins her to discuss his report into the “frightening”, “isolating” and “humiliating” experience of three prisoners during pregnancy. Podcast producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Sydney PeadSenior podcast producer: Annie JoyceInterviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Editor: Paul Stanworth

The word "jihad" - chanted during a pro-Palestinian rally in London over the weekend - has led to questions about whether laws governing hate crime need reform. The word can be interpreted in different ways; for some, it means struggle or effort in Arabic, but it has also been taken to refer to holy war. And the police made no arrests in this case. The "jihad" chants were made at a side rally by members of the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir which is banned in many countries including some majority Muslim ones. There are now questions about why the group has not been banned here as the Home Secretary Suella Braveman and Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley met earlier. On this Sky News Daily Tom Cheshire explores the word "jihad", and where the law stands with people using it, with our crime correspondent Martin Brunt. Plus, Tom is joined by journalist Duncan Gardham, who writes about terrorism and extremism and tells us more about the Hizb ut-Tahrir group. Podcast producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker

Labour's hopes ahead of the next general election have been bolstered after historic wins in the Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire by-elections.The double victory saw huge Conservative majorities overturned, with more than a 20 percent swing away from the Tories in both constituencies. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has used a rare Oval Office address to urge Americans to remember the country's role as "a beacon to the world" as he seeks Congress support for a $100bn aid package to Israel and Ukraine. Niall Paterson speaks to chief political correspondent Jon Craig to discuss if the national mood of Britain can be read from the results of the latest by-elections. He's also joined by Sky's defence and security analyst Michael Clarke to talk about the influence of an increased US military presence in the Middle East, and what might be the impact for Israel and Ukraine if the cash isn't approved.Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney Pead Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Britain’s prime minister says the UK stands with Israel in its “darkest hour” as he met his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu. Rishi Sunak arrived in the country a day after US president Joe Biden apparently gave his backing privately for an Israeli ground invasion into Gaza in response to the deadly Hamas attacks on 7 October. On the Sky News Daily, Belle Donati explores what that could be like with former royal marine Rob Taylor, who runs a company training British and American soldiers in close combat, and former British military intelligence colonel Philip Ingram. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

The Anglican-run al Ahli hospital in northern Gaza was bombed on Tuesday evening, claiming 500 lives, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Both sides in the Israel-Hamas war have blamed the other. It comes as US President Joe Biden lands in Israel to discuss the conflict. He appeared to back the Israeli military account that the blast was not caused by them. On the Sky News Daily, host Belle Donati hears from General Sir Simon Mayall, former senior adviser for the Middle East at the Ministry of Defence, to understand the military outlook on the ground in Israel and the wider region. Belle also speaks to Lishay Lavi whose husband Omri Miran was kidnapped from kibbutz Nahal Oz and taken to the Gaza Strip on 7 October. Plus, our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall updates us on the al Ahli hospital bombing and Biden's visit. Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Editor: Paul Stanworth

There has been a wave of by-elections in recent months across the country - and Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig has been to most of them. In fact this Thursday sees Jon covering his 40th count for Sky News. He’s in Nadine Dorries' old seat of Mid Bedfordshire which could see the vote split 3 ways between the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems.On the same day, another seat held by the Conservatives – Tamworth – is up for grabs following Chris Pincher’s resignation over groping allegations.But what if anything do by-elections results tell us about potential general election outcomes? On a bonus episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson talks to Jon Craig about that, and his highlights of covering by-elections for so many years. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

Hostage-taking has long been a feature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The latest – 199 people, as confirmed by the Israeli military, taken by Hamas include foreign nationals, elderly and children. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood speaks to one of the world's most experienced kidnap for ransom negotiators and author Scott Walker about what life might be like for hostages inside Gaza and efforts to get them back. Plus, Ali Bunkall explains what impact Joe Biden's visit to Israel will have on the conflict. Podcast producer: Soila ApparicioInterviews producer: Melissa TutesigensiPromotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa JohnEditor: Wendy Parker

More than a week on since the Hamas attack that shocked Israelis and others around the world, thousands of Palestinians caught up in the conflict remain stuck in Gaza at its southern border with Egypt – as the threat of an Israeli ground invasion into northern Gaza looms. On the Sky News Daily podcast, Sally Lockwood speaks to former Gaza correspondent Nicole Johnston about who controls the Rafah crossing and the people inside Gaza she’s in contact with as we hear voicenotes from some of them. Plus, our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes talks about ongoing diplomatic efforts as Britons are among the 199 people taken hostage by Hamas. Podcast producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Israel gave more than a million people living in northern Gaza 24 hours to leave their homes ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive in response to Hamas attacks. On the Sky News Daily, Sally Lockwood speaks to our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall about the deadline given to Gazans and Shaina Low, from the Norwegian Refugee Council, who talks about their team in Gaza. Plus, Sally is joined by our communities correspondent Becky Johnson to discuss concerns about antisemitism in the UK as some Jewish schools here decided to close on Friday due to safety concerns. Becky was also invited to Friday prayers as the British Muslim community in Birmingham shared their worries with her too. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

The United States has re-affirmed its support for Israel in the wake of the brutal attacks by Hamas, sending its most senior diplomat Antony Blinken to Tel Aviv.It’s his first stop on a tour of the Middle East, in an effort by the US to stop the conflict spreading. Mr Blinken indicated the US will back Israel’s bid to destroy the militant group but warned it must “take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.”Today, on Sky News Daily Tom Cheshire speaks with international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn from Jerusalem, about how big a threat escalation in the region is.Plus, Sky News home editor Jason Farrell and former prison governor Vanessa Frake-Harris look at the crisis in prisons, after news judges will now delay sending convicted criminals to overcrowded jails. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney Pead Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Israel’s response to the brutal attacks by Hamas has been swift and devastating. The two million people who live in Gaza are now under a siege - they are quickly running out of food and water. The one power station has shut down meaning an end to electricity supplies. Hamas has been ruling Gaza as a one-party state since 2007 and Israel has made it clear that it intends to wipe the group out. Today on the podcast, Sky News data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire discusses the scale of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, and Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall tells us more about Hamas and what comes next, as Israel prepares a ground offensive. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

It started with a security breach covered in glitter, but in a major speech today Sir Keir Starmer unveiled his plan for Britain ahead of the next general election. The Labour leader declared his party would be “the healers, the modernisers, the builders,” promising to “turn our backs on never-ending Tory decline with a decade of national renewal”. But can he pull it off? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined in Liverpool by our deputy political editor Sam Coates, where they analyse what the Labour leader had to say. Plus, Niall talks to Professor Michael Clarke, Sky’s defence and security analyst, about Israeli retaliations in Gaza. Senior podcast producer: Annie JoycePodcast producer: Sydney Pead Interviews producer: Melissa TutesigensiPromotion producer: David ChipakupakuEditor: Paul Stanworth

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our Middle East Correspondent Alistair Bunkall to take a closer look at the Israel-Hamas war – including the Israeli reaction to the weekend’s attack and what it may do next.Alistair reports on the hundreds who’ve lost their lives so far and the questions being asked about Israeli intelligence.Plus, our deputy political editor Sam Coates on how the conflict is being discussed at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Alex Edden Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his newest MP “blew the doors off” as Michael Shanks won the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election with a swing of 20%.It was triggered after former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier was removed from her seat after breaking COVID guidelines. The win could have implications for the next general election. If the swing was repeated across Scotland it would see a rise in the number of Labour MPs from just 2 to over 40 and so a big boost to Sir Keir Starmer’s bid to enter 10 Downing Street. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies and Sky’s election analyst Michael Thrasher to dig into the result and look at how it may influence the political landscape in the run up to a general election next year. Podcast producer: Alex EddenInterviews producer: Melissa TutesigensiPromotion producer: David ChipakupakuEditor: Wendy Parker*Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurvey

The prime minister wants to stop younger generations from taking up smoking – by making it illegal for anyone born after 2005 to ever be able to buy them. Rishi Sunak’s plan – announced in his Tory conference speech on Wednesday – is similar to measures already introduced in New Zealand, aimed at tackling health problems related to smoking. But critics argue people should have the freedom to choose – not the state.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson explores the debate – both from a health and political perspective - as he’s joined by Deborah Arnott, from the public health charity ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), the Conservative peer and former health minister Lord Bethell and our deputy political editor Sam Coates. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker *Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurvey

The prime minister closed the Conservative Party conference with a speech setting out his pitch for the next election, promising to reform A-levels, support the health service and crack down on smoking. He also finally confirmed that the HS2 link from Birmingham to Manchester is being scrapped and committed to spend the money instead on transport projects in the North.On the Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson, our deputy political editor Sam Coates discusses what impact the speech will have and also looks back at the conference and what it has revealed about the Tory party. Plus, from inside the conference hall, Niall grabs Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker, Transport Secretary Mark Harper, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, and Claire Coutinho, secretary of state for energy security and net zero. *Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurveyProducer: Soila Apparicio Senior producer: Annie Joyce Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editors: Wendy Parker and Paul Stanworth

Rishi Sunak has claimed a general election is "not what the country wants" but insists he is unafraid of going to the polls. On the Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson, our political editor Beth Rigby talks about her morning interview with the prime minister. And Niall sits down with Katie Perrior, former director of communications at 10 Downing Street for Theresa May, and William Hague's former special adviser Chris White to discuss the election chances of the Tory Party. *Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurveyProducers: Soila Apparicio and Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt held firm on tax cuts, despite growing pressure from his colleagues at the Conservative Party conference on Monday. "The plan is working and now we must see it through," he said in his keynote speech. The idea of a tax cut is dividing Tories – with former prime minister Liz Truss calling for the chancellor to "axe the tax". Hunt spoke as news broke that the northern leg of HS2 will be scrapped between Birmingham and Manchester. On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our economics and data editor Ed Conway, and deputy political editor Sam Coates to analyse the chancellor's speech, Truss's calls for tax cuts, and HS2Tell us what you think of Sky News podcasts: https://news.sky.com/podcastsurveyProducers: Soila Apparicio and Emma Rae WoodhousePromotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Thousands of prisoners remain incarcerated on open-ended prison sentences under a now defunct scheme, known as IPP sentencing. The no-maximum prison sentences, some of which were given to offenders of low-level crimes, have been compared to ‘psychological torture’. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to Anthony Hipkiss who was in prison for 16 years despite only being sentenced to 15 months. He tells us how the strict licensing rules he has to live under for 10 years means he can’t even stay overnight at his partner’s. Plus, Ian Acheson, former prison governor speaks about how to fix a system of justice that keeps people indefinitely – even when they’re not a threat to society. 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. Producer: Alex Edden Podcast promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Editor: Wendy Parker

When it was first given the go-ahead back in 2012, Britain's new high-speed rail line connecting the south, the Midlands and the north of England was predicted to cost £32.7bn. Now, after delays and inflation fuelled by Brexit, Covid and the invasion of Ukraine, this figure is closer to £100bn. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also avoided answering questions on whether the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the route will go ahead, leaving the future of the project shrouded in uncertainty. So why was the initial cost estimate so different to what the final number will be? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson sits down with our business correspondent Paul Kelso to discuss the problems with the way the UK plans major infrastructure projects and asks whether any of these projects ever come close to what they are predicted to cost. 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. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Podcast promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Archive researcher: Simon Windsor Editor: Paul Stanworth

Scotland will be home to the UK’s first so-called ‘consumption rooms’ where drug users will be able to get their fix more safely. Recent stats showed that despite a fall this year, Scotland still has the highest number of drugs-related deaths per million population in Europe. Now, plans have been approved for a £2.3 million facility at Hunter Street Health Centre in Glasgow – despite opposition from Westminster. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies who talks about the unit itself and reaction to it. Plus, Niall speaks to Andrew Cowan, whose son Daniel died after taking a fatal drug concoction, and Annemarie Ward, from the charity Faces and Voices of Recovery UK. 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 producer: Alex Edden Interviews producer: Melissa TutesigensiPodcast promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

The Liberal Democrats conference in Bournemouth saw leader Sir Ed Davey hinting that his party would be prepared to do a post-election deal with Labour to prevent the Conservatives from forming a government. Of the 91 seats in which the Lib Dems finished second in 2019, 80 are held by Conservatives. After recent by-election victories, could the Lib Dems be looking like kingmakers once more? To answer this question, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky News deputy political editor Sam Coates who has been at the conference. And Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke looks ahead to the next election after her big by-election win in Somerton and Frome. Plus, Carol Vorderman talks about her message to the Lib Dem conference, where she called for electoral reform and tactical voting. 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 producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

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