This Is Why

Why did the Home Office pay Hadush Kebatu £500 to leave the country? Sky News has spoken to migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu hours after he was deported to Ethiopia. He claims he tried to hand himself in to police after he was released accidentally from prison last Friday but they ignored him. Responding to Kebatu's claims, the Metropolitan Police told Sky News: "The Met is not aware of any evidence to support the claims that Kebatu approached officers on Saturday morning. "The actions of officers who responded to the sighting of him on Sunday morning show how seriously they were taking the manhunt. Kebatu's actions on the morning of his arrest were more like those of someone trying to avoid officers, not trying to hand himself in." Gareth Barlow speaks to home affairs journalist Danny Shaw and Sky News correspondent Ashna Hurynag - who has been in Epping, Essex, where Kebatu sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Araminta Parker Editor: Wendy Parker

Less than two weeks after Prince Andrew announced he was giving up most of his royal titles he is now facing mounting calls to leave his 30-room home in Windsor. Public anger over the prince’s links to Jeffrey Epstein has been reignited following revelations in the posthumous memoir of his sexual assault accuser Virginia Giuffre. Andrew continues to deny all the allegations against him – but the King continues to be under pressure to do more. Would moving the prince out of Royal Lodge be enough to quell public anger? Gareth Barlow is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills. Producer: Emily Hulme and Tom Gillespie Editor: Wendy Parker

Ukrainian soldiers sprint away from a disabled tank on the battlefield while their control room desperately tries to help them evade the Russian drones pursuing them. Later, a Russian soldier waves a white flag from the basement entrance of a gatehouse which was targeted by Ukrainian quad-copter drones.It's become a war of the future in the so-called "kill zone" in the Donbas region of Ukraine - where the trench lines are gone and drones rule the skies. Tom Cheshire speaks to Sky's international correspondent John Sparks - who spent 24 hours watching the life-or-death drama from a high-tech control hub where a Ukrainian unit runs their operations.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Wendy Parker

A former television presenter and heavy metal drummer has become the first woman to be elected prime minister of Japan.Sanae Takaichi is known for her right-wing views and cites Margaret Thatcher as an inspiration. But it's not just her political beliefs that are controversial – Ms Takaichi has a love of hard rock and motorbikes, despite her deeply conservative background.Why has it taken so long for Japan to elect a female PM? And what challenges does she face domestically, as well as on the world stage?Niall is joined by Dr Kristin Surak, associate professor of political sociology at the London School of Economics and a leading expert on Japanese politics. Producers: Natalie Ktena & Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Whether they are providing the beef for your roast dinner or the milk for your cup of tea – cows are undeniably useful animals.The problem is they also enjoy burping and breaking wind and it's having a huge impact on global warming.The steaks couldn’t be higher and that’s why an agricultural college in Scotland has developed the Cool Cows programme to breed the animals in a way that means they expel less gas.Niall is joined by our udderly brilliant science correspondent, Thomas Moore.Producers: Natalie Ktena & Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

With Ukraine highlighting the use of UK hardware in strikes against Russia and the US insisting British military personnel join a team monitoring the Gaza ceasefire, are we at risk of ending up in a wider conflict?The possibility, however slim, that UK soldiers could be engaged in fighting in the Middle East follows Ukraine's very public revelation that British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles were used in a "massive" attack inside Russia.Less than two weeks ago, the foreign secretary said there were no plans to send troops to monitor the Gaza ceasefire - so is the UK being dragged into a situation it doesn't want to be in?What is the extent of its role in these conflicts and what are the implications for our national security?Niall is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

The rise of AI has been hailed as a new industrial revolution - a huge economic success story (depending on your point of view) with massive implications for energy, materials and jobs. In the US, artificial intelligence has accounted for the vast majority of economic growth so far this year - not least because of the patronage of Donald Trump, who's also fond of taking AI-generated jibes at his critics. But does the US have enough access to the infrastructure and materials needed to fuel this economic boom? Has it become too dependent on AI and could the bubble be about to burst? Niall is joined by Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway - who has been in the US visiting the largest concentration of data centres in the world. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

The downfall and disgrace of Prince Andrew has taken another dramatic turn after he announced he was giving up some of his royal titles. Reports have emerged that Andrew asked his personal protection officer to help with a smear campaign against Virginia Giuffre years before she filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. The prince continues to deny any wrongdoing. What role did the King and other members of the Royal Family play in Andrew's decision to give up his titles? Why is this happening now and does the move go far enough? And could this lead to calls for a rethink over the future of the monarchy? Niall is joined by Sky's royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills for the latest on the long-running scandal. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill To watch Niall's earlier interview with Andrew Lownie, historian and author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall Of The House of York, follow the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-I13zzJ-WJM

The UK's first female prime minister undoubtedly transformed the country as she achieved electoral success her Conservative successors could only dream of.Evidence of her enduring influence is the fact that it's not just Tories who claim a debt to her but also opposing politicians, with Rachel Reeves recently branding herself the "iron chancellor".She was also a very divisive figure, with lasting anger over her handling of the miners' strike and the controversial poll tax.So, what is Baroness Thatcher's legacy to both her party and the country? What would she have made of Brexit and the rise of Reform UK? Will she still be talked about in another 100 years?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.Producers: Tom Gillespie and Soila Apparicio ​​​​​​​Editor: Wendy Parker

A ceasefire may be in place, but violence continues to plague Gaza. As Hamas attempts to keep some control, a rival group has told Sky News they plan to fight to the end. With internal fighting and power struggles ongoing, can peace hold within Gaza for the Palestinians hoping to begin rebuilding their lives? Dominic Waghorn, our international affairs editor, and digital investigations journalist Ben van der Merwe join Niall to explain who these groups are and what role they are playing. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

Dishonesty, discrimination, and misconduct – just some of the reasons why more than 730 police officers were sacked and barred from service last year. Of those, 21 were struck off for child sexual offences. But can our police forces recover from falling public trust and reputational damage? Martin Brunt, our crime correspondent, joins Niall to explain what’s gone wrong – and assess whether ‘bad apples’ in the police are an institutional issue. Plus, Jamie Klingler – co-founder of Reclaim These Streets and campaigner for women’s safety and police reform in the UK – discusses what needs to change. Producer: Emily HulmeEditor: Mike Bovill

Members of minority religious groups say they feel less safe in the UK than ever before.A summer of protests outside asylum seeker hotels and a renewed debate about immigration have led to concerns British society is becoming increasingly fragmented.And last week, figures released by the Home Office showed that religious hate crime recorded by police in England and Wales had reached a record high.Some members of the Sikh community in the West Midlands have been escorting elderly people to their local gurdwara due to concerns about physical and verbal abuse.What are the causes behind this rise in hate crime? How are minority groups responding, and what can be done to rebuild fragile communities?Niall is joined by Rabbi Josh Levy, the co-lead of Progressive Judaism, and Sky's communities correspondent Lisa Holland.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

All 20 remaining living Israeli hostages have been released by Hamas – after more than two years in captivity. Now the slow process of recovery and rehabilitation begins. For each of them, that journey will be different. What kind of support will they receive? And will the trauma ever truly be over? Niall discusses the needs of the released hostages with Stephen Regel – a former senior psychosocial practitioner with the British Red Cross and founder of the Centre for Trauma Resilience and Growth. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Can you put a price on freedom of speech? Comedy royalty including Dave Chapelle and Jimmy Carr, famous for defending their right to say whatever they want, have been paid big money by the Saudi government to appear at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival. But there's a catch.... they're not allowed to say anything that could cause "embarrassment" to Saudi Arabia, its royal family or any religion. The outcry has given you a new phrase to learn - "comedy washing". What is comedy washing and what evidence is there Saudi Arabia is trying to carry it out? Why have comedians agreed to perform at the festival and how can they defend their decision? Niall is joined by stand-up comedian and host of the Pod Save The UK podcast Nish Kumar. Producers: Tom Gillespie, Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

Donald Trump has claimed the credit for ending seven wars and with the developments in Gaza it could soon be eight - surely then he's a dead cert for this year's Nobel Peace Prize?Unsurprisingly, with this bombastic US president, it's not quite that simple... no matter how much he insists that he deserves it.As the world prepares to find out who has won this year's prize, the self-styled peacemaker-in-chief is likely to be among those paying the closest attention.What is the Nobel Peace Prize and why does Trump want to win it so much? How is the winner decided, who else is nominated and what are the US president's chances?Niall is joined by Jay Nordlinger, author of Peace, They Say: A History of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Most Famous and Controversial Prize in the World.Producer: Soila ApparicioEditor: Mike Bovill

The prime minister’s been asked to ‘explain himself’ after the UK’s top prosecutor blamed the collapse of a China spy trial on the government - for not labelling China a risk to national security. But Sir Keir Starmer blames the previous Tory government. A parliamentary researcher and his associate were accused of passing on “politically sensitive” information to a member of China’s ruling politburo – so why won’t it go to court? Niall is joined by political correspondent Mhari Aurora and the former head of MI6 Richard Dearlove. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

In September, former England rugby captain Lewis Moody received a devastating diagnosis that changed his life forever. The 47-year-old Rugby World Cup winner is the latest retired professional player to be told he has the fatal muscle-wasting condition motor neurone disease. What do we know about the possible causes of MND? Is there a link between extreme exercise and developing the disease? And are we any closer to a cure? Niall is joined by Moody’s World Cup-winning team-mate Will Greenwood and Dr Mike Rogers, director of research and innovation at the MND Association. Producer: Tom Gillespie and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

It's the morning of Monday 6 October 2025 and Russia has launched a missile strike against the UK. That was the scenario of The Wargame - a gripping five-part Sky News podcast that brought together former government ministers, military chiefs, and top defence experts to explore how the UK might respond to a modern-day crisis. On the real 6 October, we speak to some of the makers of the series to get a sense of whether our leaders are taking the threat of Russia seriously enough. Would the United States come to the UK's aid if bombings began on British soil? And what do we need to do to improve our defence capabilities? Niall Paterson is joined by The Wargame's co-creators - Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, and Rob Johnson, head of Oxford University's Changing Character of War Centre - as well as Keir Giles, a leading expert on the Russian military who portrays the Russian president in the simulation. You can listen to The Wargame here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lHtW6x1D6R0E1QmGLkBK1 Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

Could the historic appointment of a first female Archbishop of Canterbury cause a split within the Anglican Church?Dame Sarah Mullally has been chosen for the role while the Church is arguably in a state of crisis - but also at a time when there has been a surge in attendance among young people.She's the first woman to lead the Church of England in its almost 500-year history - the question now is, what impact she will have on its future.Who is Dame Sarah and why was she chosen? How big a moment is this for the Church? What challenges will the new archbishop face and what qualities will she need to address them?Niall is joined by Ruth Gledhill, religious affairs commentator and assistant editor of The Tablet.Producer: Emily HulmeEditor: Mike Bovill

Communities in Manchester are once again reeling following a terror attack - this time on a synagogue in Crumpsall during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The prime minister has announced extra security for synagogues, but there had been previous warnings of a rise in religious hatred across the UK. Niall speaks to Sky's home editor, Jason Farrell, about the attack and the wider state of national security. Warning: This episode contains audio of the moment leading up to police shooting the suspected attacker. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

The senior police officer in charge of preventing violence against women and girls has warned the political discourse around asylum seekers risks being a distraction from the "real threat" to women's safety. Met Police deputy assistant commissioner Helen Millichap made the remarks after a summer of protests outside hotels housing migrants across the country.Will the row undermine the government's ambitious target to halve violence against women and girls within a decade? And where should the real focus be when it comes to protecting communities?Niall is joined by the former victim's commissioner Dame Vera Baird KC and Sky correspondent Mollie Malone.Producers: Emily Hulme and Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike BovillAnyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK.Alternatively, you can call Mind's support line on 0300 102 1234, or NHS on 111.If you suspect you are being abused and need to speak to someone, there are people who can help you.The National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247Women's AidRespect, the helpline for male domestic abuse victims: 0808 8010 327Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity: 0800 999 5428

The government has continued to grapple with the subject of immigration during the Labour Party conference - where a desire to fight Reform UK's rhetoric has come up against the political reality of public opinion.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has openly called Reform UK's policies "racist" - at the same time as his new home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has highlighted the need to review the rules over indefinite leave to remain.Nowhere is this paradox more acute than in Glasgow, where an apparent rise in anti-immigrant sentiment is as much a worry for the SNP as it is for the Westminster government - with both struggling to counter the rise of Nigel Farage's party.Many are now more comfortable voicing legitimate concerns over housing and other social pressures, but are some people using the current debate as an excuse to stoke racial stereotypes and hatred?Niall is joined by Sky News' Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies in Glasgow - while political correspondent Rob Powell also speaks to the podcast from the Labour conference in Liverpool.Producers: Araminta Parker and Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her keynote speech to the Labour Party annual conference in Liverpool. In an address where there were multiple standing ovations in the hall, she explained she won’t take risks with the public finances and warned the UK will "face further tests, with the choices to come made all the harder by harsh global headwinds". But were there any significant policy announcements? And does the speech signal the choices she will make in November, when her autumn budget is widely expected to include tax rises. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s economics editor Ed Conway to discuss the most important points from the address and what it can tell us about the economy's direction of travel. Producer: Araminta Parker & Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Just as they were for her ex-husband, revelations about her relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have proved highly embarrassing for Sarah, Duchess of York. Several charities have now dropped her as a patron after it emerged she had emailed Epstein to apologise for publicly disavowing him following his conviction. In messages dating back to 2011, the duchess described the late financier as a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend", and said sorry for criticising him in public. However, it's far from the first time the former wife of Prince Andrew has given the Royal Family a headache. Andrew Lownie, historian and author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall Of The House of York, joins Niall in remembering the key moments in the duchess's public life. Audio credit: @sarahferguson15 on Instagram Producers: Soila Apparicio, Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

Despite Jaguar Land Rover announcing some of its systems are back online, not a single car has rolled off the production line since the end of August. And there's still no date set for the factories to reopen. All because of a cyber attack, costing hundreds of millions of pounds and threatening thousands of jobs.JLR is just the latest British company harassed by hackers – with Marks & Spencer, Harrods and Co-op all suffering major (and expensive) outages in recent months. Airports and national institutions have also been attacked.It all raises serious questions about the UK's vulnerability to cyber terrorists. Who has been targeting these companies and why? What can companies do to defend themselves? Are we heading for a cyber attack pandemic? And what can your business do to prepare for the inevitable?Niall is joined by James Hatch, chief digital officer at BAE Systems, and Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso.Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

A woman left with an incurable brain disease following a NHS operation says she feels like she's "living with a death sentence". Natalie Bralee-Brett was born with the birth defect spina bifida - but doctors told her mother about a new procedure that could improve and prolong her life. Instead, medical experts now say that operation - which implanted a graft made from a membrane taken from a dead body into her spine - left Natalie with a rare brain condition called iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (ICAA). How did the NHS end up introducing this procedure and how many others are affected by ICAA? Are they entitled to compensation and could something similar happen again? Niall is joined by Sky's health correspondent Ashish Joshi following his investigation into Natalie's plight. There is more information from Great Ormond Street Hospital here: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/news/statement-regarding-recent-media-coverage-september-2025/ Producer: Araminta Parker Editor: Mike Bovill

The scientific community has condemned comments made by Donald Trump and his health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, linking autism to the use of everyday painkillers during pregnancy. The claim has been refuted by medical experts in both the US and UK - with some saying his comments are dangerous. Is there any evidence linking paracetamol with autism? What damage could be done by the spread of misinformation? And has this set back the campaign for a better understanding of neurodiversity? Niall is joined by Jessie Hewitson, a mother of two autistic children who is also the author of “Autism: How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child”, and Sky's science editor Tom Clarke. For more on what Donald Trump said in the White House, listen to Trump 100: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p6KWPOkUpGvrCPRQwbISb?si=20bcf885d0574ed1If you have any questions or concerns about autism, more information is available here:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/Producers: Emily Hulme & Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Nearly two years on from the October 7 attacks by Hamas and subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer has joined other world leaders in recognising a Palestinian state. The UK prime minister made the decision after months of pressure from dozens of his own MPs – but will it be enough to appease those in Labour who want to go even further? What does he hope the move will achieve and could it lead to the UK banning arms sales to Israel? Niall is joined by Sky's security and defence analyst Michael Clarke and former Labour adviser Scarlett MccGwire. Producer: Emily Hulme and Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

On this episode we are showcasing two of Sky News' other podcasts as we go over Donald Trump's second state visit. Electoral Dysfunction's Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman are joined by Trump 100's Mark Stone to tackle a news conference with potential ramifications to the world order. From the pomp and pageantry to the slightly uneasy division between the President and Prime Minister, the group give their special and unique insight on the historic visit. But who was the winner and are any of the leaders better off? Listen and follow Electoral Dysfunction and Trump 100 wherever you get your podcasts.

US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has been taken off air by the Disney-owned ABC network for making "offensive" comments relating to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.ABC announced the show would be shelved indefinitely - a move welcomed by Donald Trump, who has criticised many of America's most popular chat show hosts for their views on his presidency.What does the decision to pull the show say about freedom of speech in the US? And should we now be worried in the UK?Niall is joined by British comedian Tom Walker - best known for playing fictitious news reporter Jonathan Pie, whose rant blaming "the left" for the rise of Trump went viral in 2016.Content warning: This episode contains strong language.Producers: Olivia McGhie and Jim FarthingEditor: Mike BovillCredits:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLG9g7BcjKshttps://www.instagram.com/p/DOr2BQTidbi/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTyX9JC-rhA

Scientists say they have created an AI tool that could predict a patient's risk of hundreds of diseases years before they develop symptoms.The technology, if it works, could help revolutionise a health service which is always looking for ways to reduce costs and offer better patient care.However, with many people feeling the NHS can often struggle to implement new technologies - how ready is the health service for such a potentially groundbreaking tool?Who will be accountable if it gives a wrong diagnosis? And should people be scared AI is about to replace the human touch of their local GP?Niall is joined by Sky's science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore, who explains how the technology works and how prepared the NHS might be to introduce it. Dr Ben Maruthappu, founder of healthtech company Cera and former innovation adviser to NHS England, also reveals what other AI tools are on the horizon.Producers: Emily Hulme and Natalie KtenaEditor: Mike Bovill

A government deportation deal with France – designed to deter small boat crossings – has been beset by delays and legal challenges. The first few migrants detained in Dover as part of the so-called one-in-one-out scheme were meant to be on a flight to France on Monday. That didn’t happen. And even when the first deportations do begin, there is a cap on the number of people who can be returned. So, what is the government trying to achieve? Danny Shaw, former adviser to Yvette Cooper – who was home secretary until last week – explains what the policy is and how it should work. Niall is also joined by Sky’s community correspondent, Lisa Holland, who is awaiting arrivals in France. Producer: Natalie Ktena and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

Sir Keir Starmer has only been prime minister for 16 months but already there are reports some Labour MPs want him out. The details that have emerged about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the Angela Rayner tax scandal and Labour's perceived lack of direction by some in the party have all put pressure on Sir Keir - with a growing number of MPs said to be feeling he has until May's local elections to turn things around. It's the biggest threat to his leadership so far and a somewhat familiar name is reportedly preparing to try and replace him. Allies of Andy Burnham – the “King in the North” who’s currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester – have launched a new campaign group, Mainstream, calling on the government to introduce a wealth tax, nationalise utility companies and end the two-child benefit cap. Who is Andy Burnham and how plausible is it that he could replace Sir Keir? How fragile is the prime minister’s position and what would a Labour leadership election look like? Niall Paterson is joined by Professor Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester and a senior fellow at UK in a Changing Europe. Producer: Natalie Ktena & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

He may have described himself as a ‘fighter not a quitter’, but even Peter Mandelson couldn’t survive new and lurid revelations about his relationship with convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. The ultimate political animal, Mandelson was no stranger to scandal – having twice been forced to resign from Tony Blair’s Cabinet. But brought back into the Labour fold by Gordon Brown after a successful stint as European Commissioner, the former spin doctor went on to enjoy a career renaissance – which eventually took him to Washington as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. However, Mandelson was summoned home from DC in disgrace, following the publication of a cache of embarrassing emails and other communications between himself and Epstein. Was his downfall inevitable? And should Sir Keir Starmer have known better than to entrust one of the biggest diplomatic roles in the world to a man with a track record of self-destruction? Niall is joined by former ambassador and National Security Advisor, Lord Ricketts, and Sky News’ former political editor, Adam Boulton. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

More small boats, more asylum claims, more flags flying in town centres – the debate over immigration has never felt more polarised. Sky News invited a live studio audience to put their questions and concerns to politicians from four of the main Westminster parties. So, what did they ask and are we any closer to a consensus on what anyone would do about both legal and illegal migration? Niall Paterson is joined by debate host, Trevor Phillips, and audience member, Ryan Alexander, who asked the panel about the ethics of housing asylum seekers in hotels. You can watch the debate in full here. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

Lachlan Murdoch has finally secured his place as his father Rupert’s successor, following a long sibling battle for control over one of the highest-profile media groups in the world. Under the deal, some of Rupert's other children – James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch and Prudence MacLeod – will sell their personal holdings in Fox and News Corp, with each expected to receive about $1.1bn (£810m). A new family trust will be created to benefit Lachlan and his younger siblings, Grace and Chloe Murdoch. Joining Niall Paterson to unravel the dispute – thought to have been one of the inspirations for the TV series Succession – are Paddy Manning, author of The Successor: The High-Stakes Life Of Lachlan Murdoch and our business correspondent, Paul Kelso. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

A group of scientists think they can geoengineer the Arctic’s melting ice, thickening it by pumping freezing seawater onto the surface during the winter. Geoengineering is the large-scale – and often experimental – manipulation of the environment in an attempt to slow down climate change. The question is, is it mad science? Or our last hope? Science correspondent Thomas Moore has visited the Climate Repair Unit in Cambridge, where they're attempting to thicken Arctic ice. He joins Niall to explain the research and the controversies surrounding it. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

Her disappearance remains unsolved, but several theories about what happened to Madeleine McCann still need to be explained. Now, Sky News has tracked down the woman at the centre of investigation into a potential hit-and-run.This was just before Christian B emerged as the prime suspect over the three-year-old British girl's disappearance in 2007.Crime correspondent Martin Brunt joins Niall to explain the current state of the McCann case, the unexplored threads in the investigation, and why suspect Christian B is going to be released from prison.Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

Zack Polanski is the fresh face of the Green Party. He already sits on the London Assembly – the capital's elected body that scrutinises the activities of the Mayor. But he's got his eyes set on the Commons – with ambitions to join the four Green MPs already there.Polanski wants to offer a different approach to politics with policies that include a wealth tax on billionaires and renationalising water companies. And to be a threat to both Labour and Reform UK.To find out more about Polanski's ambitions, Niall Paterson is joined by Caroline Russell, Green leader of the London Assembly who has worked alongside him and backed his campaign, plus George Monaghan, commissioning editor at the New Statesman. Producer: Soila Apparicio

We give an insight into the UK's immigration system, following an Indian family who dreamed of a better life. They came to the UK on student and dependent visas – which the family say were obtained using fake documents.Niall Paterson is joined by communities correspondent Lisa Holland who has spoken to the family, to explore the serious questions about the checks and balances in place by the Home Office, as well as data and forensics journalist Joely Santa Cruz, who helps unpick the numbers.Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont

The chances are your child has a smartphone. But whether they're allowed to use them in school or not could have a huge impact on not only their academic success but also mental health issues and wider threats to their wellbeing.Brianna Ghey was 16 when she was stabbed to death by two 15-year-olds after being lured into a park in Warrington. Her mother, Esther, says she lost her daughter twice - firstly to her phone, then to her killers.Esther now wants a legal ban on phones in schools, rather than the current guidelines which don't make such a ban compulsory.In today's episode, Kamali Melbourne speaks to our North of England correspondent, Shingi Mararike - following his interview with Esther Ghey - as well as campaigner, Dr Susie Davies, who would like to see even stronger measures to protect young people from the dangers of mobile phone use.Producer: Emily HulmeEditor: Mike Bovill

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wants to end Labour's ban on new oil and gas licences and make North Sea oil and gas a "cornerstone" of the economy. But what would that mean for net-zero targets? Kamali Melbourne is joined by our business correspondent Paul Kelso, who breaks down the economic impact it could have, while industry expert Professor Paul de Leeuw tells us how the sector has reacted to the announcement in Aberdeen. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

A few years ago, the number of asylum seekers in the Warwickshire market town of Nuneaton was in single digits. But it has become another community facing anti-migrant unrest. Our Midlands correspondent Shamaan Freeman-Powell visited Nuneaton, as it's a key battleground for the migrant crisis conversation, visiting the homes where migrants are placed, and witnessing community tensions in the high street. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

With Parliament back in action in a few days, Sam and Anne look ahead to the packed autumn schedule in Westminster. In the last episode of the Summer Box Set, both spill the beans on all the latest news and gossip around Westminster, Whitehall and beyond as MPs prepare to come back to the House of Commons. They’ll mark the important dates in the calendar, break down the fortunes of the key players, and explain which areas could cause trouble for the government. Normal service resumes on the podcast on Monday, 1st September.

Is Donald Trump increasingly acting like a dictator as he power grabs and overreaches on independent institutions?Plus - he’s firing people again. Why?Mark Stone reflects on seeing an immigration raid in DC - and what this means for a community with the army on the streets.And, we reflect on the mass shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 other people as they prayed in a church before school.You can also watch all episodes on our YouTube channel.Watch Mark Stone's full piece on the ICE raids on YouTube and on the SkyNews website.

It feels like we're having to pay more and more for the basics every month. New figures released this week showed food inflation has reached an 18-month high of 4.2% - pushed up by household favourites like chocolate, eggs and butter. The energy price cap is also rising, again. So, when will we start to feel a bit better off? Why is the hangover of the cost of living crisis still lingering? And as the nights draw in, what can be done to survive another cold winter? On today’s episode, Jonathan Samuels is joined by business correspondent Paul Kelso - who explains why prices remain stubbornly high - and Money blogger Jess Sharp, who offers some advice and tips to struggling households. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

The total fertility rate for England and Wales - defined as the number of children a woman can expect to have over her lifetime - has fallen to another record low. It's the third year in a row the rate has fallen, and the biggest decline in fertility is among those aged between 25 and 29, increasing the average age of parents to 31 for mothers and 33.9 for fathers. So, why aren't people in Britain having more babies? On today’s Sky News Daily, Gareth Barlow is joined by leading demographer Paul Morland to discuss why people in Britain are having fewer children on average, and what could be done to reverse the trend. Producers: Araminta Parker and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

Reform UK has outlined its plan to tackle the small boats crisis, which would include detaining and deporting all illegal migrants arriving in the UK. Leader Nigel Farage says his party is willing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, repeal the Human Rights Act and disapply the 1951 UN Refugee Convention for five years to remove barriers to deportations. On today's Sky News Daily, Sophy Ridge is joined by Sky's deputy political editor, Sam Coates, to discuss whether Reform's proposals could work. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

This week, Finnish President Alexander Stubb found himself at the seat of world leaders at the White House, discussing the best route to peace in Ukraine. How? He mastered the art of befriending Trump. Tamara Cohen chats to former political adviser in the Finnish government, Joel Linnainmäki, and former diplomat at the Danish embassy in Washington during Trump's first term, Jonas Parello-Plesner, about Stubb's trajectory in the lead up to this huge political moment. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Evan Hall and Emily Hulme Editors: Mike Bovill and Philly Beaumont

Russian oil used to flow into Europe. Now, it's going to India and China instead. So, could Donald Trump's latest tariff threat against those countries put a squeeze on Russia's economic pipeline and help bring an end to the war in Ukraine? Despite the warm words and strong handshakes at their Alaskan summit, the Trump White House seems prepared to try new ways to hit Vladimir Putin in the pocket. But has the failure of the western sanction regime to cripple the Russian economy shown India and China that Trump's trade war bark is worse than his bite? On today's episode, Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway about how the Russian energy landscape has changed and the potential impact on peace in Ukraine. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill