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This Is Why

This Is Why

1,056 episodes — Page 7 of 22

Can Ukraine and Russia find peace in Turkey?

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of sending "stand-in props" to peace talks in Turkey after Moscow confirmed President Vladimir Putin would not attend. Zelenskyy had challenged Putin to meet him. But how are Ukrainians feeling about the prospect of a possible end to the war? Our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn is in Kyiv and joins Niall Paterson to discuss if the country is ready to find a peace agreement with Russia. Producers: Emily Hulme, Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

May 15, 202515 min

Trump’s deal with Syria, what it means

Donald Trump has met Syrian president Ahmed al Sharaa - a former al Qaeda leader - during a tour of the Middle East. The US president said he is looking at "normalising" relations with Syria after lifting sanctions that have crippled the country for 25 years. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss how the meeting came about, its significance for Syria and what it means for the wider region. Producer: Emily Hulme, Soila ApparicioEditor: Philly Beaumont

May 14, 202514 min

Who are the gangs behind the cannabis home delivery service?

A Sky News investigation has uncovered the complex gang network using stickers on lampposts and e-bikes to expand their cannabis home delivery operation. Led by open-source intelligence (OSINT) producer Sam Doak and data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire, the team tried to track down and even went to the homes allegedly at the heart of a drug ring responsible for stickers found in a number of cities across the UK. On today’s episode of the Sky News Daily, listen to how the investigation exposes how dark web merchants are coming out of the shadows and into broad daylight and what are the police doing about it. Sky News contacted the National Crime Agency about our findings. They said: “Many organised crime groups selling drugs use social media and communication platforms to promote and sell their illicit produce," it said in a statement. “The NCA is working with partners across law enforcement and government to tackle drug trafficking."Producer: Emily Hulme and Emma Rae WoodhouseEditor: Philly Beaumont Extra journalism: Henry Vaughan

May 13, 202516 min

Migration – Is Labour Reform-ing?

The prime minister today announced a plan to reduce net migration as he warned the UK risks becoming an "island of strangers". Sir Keir Starmer wants to bring in tougher English language tests and tighten overseas carer recruitment as part of his policy overhaul to “tighten up” the immigration system. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson is joined by our deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss whether this is a change in direction for the government after suffering losses in the local elections. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

May 12, 202511 min

Pope Leo XIV: Why it's significant he's the first American pope

Pope Leo XIV is the first North American to lead the Catholic Church. But he was not considered to be in the top 10 likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis, in part due to his nationality. There had been an assumption that an American pope would mean too much power concentrated in the world's most dominant superpower. So why did the conclave pick Cardinal Robert Prevost - and what does it mean for the future direction of the Catholic Church? To discuss this on today's Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson are Barbara Serra, who has been covering the conclave for Sky News, and Father Thomas Massaro from New York's Fordham University. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker

May 9, 202517 min

Trade deals and interest rates - a good day for Starmer?

President Trump has called the US-UK trade deal "full and comprehensive" while Sir Keir Starmer said "it's going to not only protect jobs, but create jobs, opening market access". The deal comes as interest rates are now at their lowest level for two years after the Bank of England cut the base rate by a quarter point to 4.25%. The Bank also raised its economic growth forecast for this year. In today’s Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to business correspondent Paul Kelso about how good a deal it is for the UK and whether the reduction in interest rates will have more of an impact on the country's finances. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker

May 8, 202512 min

The India-Pakistan conflict explained

India has launched missile strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a terror attack last month that India accused its neighbour of backing - which Islamabad denies. But the friction between the nuclear-armed countries isn't new. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson dissects how the world might respond to yet more tension in the region and asks why the conflict is centred around Kashmir with our defence and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont

May 7, 202512 min

Reform flirts with loyal Labour voters – is it a winning strategy?

Reform is flirting with traditional Labour support - workers and union members. Ten local authorities are now controlled by Reform - including Doncaster, taken from Labour - plus three mayoralties and a new MP. After Nigel Farage's almost unbelievable success in local elections last week, is this the strategy to take him all the way to Downing Street? Niall Paterson is joined by our political correspondent Liz Bates, and reporter Alexandra Rogers, to unpick what Reform's flirtations mean for Labour. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

May 6, 202517 min

Will Prince Harry and the King reconcile?

Prince Harry has lost his legal challenge over the level of security he receives while in the UK and described the ruling as an "establishment stitch-up". He says the decision leaves him unable to safely bring his wife and children back to Britain. In a new interview with the BBC, the Duke of Sussex spoke about his estranged relationship with his family, revealing the King won't "speak to him". But could they reconcile? On today's Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet speaks to royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills about Harry's latest comments, the court ruling, and whether reconciliation with the Royal Family is still possible.

May 2, 202513 min

Kneecap: The Irish rap group condemned by MPs - but who are they?

Online videos of the rap trio Kneecap calling for the death of British MPs and shouting "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah" are now being investigated by the police. It comes after MPs condemned the group and called for arts funding to be removed and their invitation to play at Glastonbury withdrawn. Band members have apologised but have been cancelled by a number of festivals. So, who are Kneecap and why are they creating such a stir? Niall Paterson talks to Aoife Moore, journalist and author of The Long Game: Inside Sinn Fein. He also talks to Steve Cummins, former Ireland Editor for the NME. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

May 2, 202517 min

What is going on with the retail cyber attacks?

M&S has been targeted in a cyber attack which has left it unable to process online orders or take contactless payments. Some experts predict it could be costing the company millions of pounds each day.The notorious hacking group, Scattered Spider is believed to be behind the attack. A cyber security company has told Sky News the group is "one of the most dangerous and active groups" they are monitoring.There've also been cyber attacks against Harrods and the Co-Op which are being investigated?On today's Sky News Daily Niall Paterson talks to our science and technology reporter, Mickey Carroll, about Scattered Spider and what can be done to tackle cyber gangs.Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker

May 1, 202513 min

'Defiled and looted' - returning home during the Sudan war

Civil war has been raging in Sudan for two years. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has seen famine, destruction, and millions driven from their homes. Among them, the family and friends of our Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir. She was born in Khartoum and recently returned to her childhood home. Yousra joins Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily to share her assessment of what returning home, after it had been ransacked during the ongoing war, was like. You can listen to previous coverage of war in Sudan in our episode ‘The war nobody is talking about’ here. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 30, 202516 min

Did Trump just win the election for Canada’s Mark Carney

Mark Carney's Liberals have won the Canadian election in a remarkable turnaround for the centre-left party. The Liberal Party was well behind in the polls just months ago. That's before Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as leader and US President Donald Trump soured relations with Canada, becoming the defining issue of the campaign. So did Trump just win the election for Carney - and what does it mean for future negotiations? Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway and Professor Drew Fagan, from the University of Toronto, who worked in the Canadian government for more than a decade. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 29, 202514 min

Star behaviour – will the scandals ever stop?

A small number of BBC stars and managers "behave unacceptably" at work and bosses often fail to tackle them. That's according to a new report into the broadcaster commissioned by the BBC in the wake of the Huw Edwards scandal. In response, the BBC said it would introduce reforms. But will they work? There's been a long list of star presenters behaving badly and that's not just at the BBC. So, will these scandals ever stop? Niall Paterson speaks to Arts and Entertainment Correspondent Katie Spencer and Roger Mosey Master of Selwyn College, Cambridge and former director of BBC Television News. Producers: Tom Pooley Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 28, 202514 min

Slot better than expected: The Liverpool and Arne story

Arne Slot, who took over as manager of Liverpool FC from Jurgen Klopp last summer, has had a remarkable year. His club is about to win the Premier League title - a big achievement for a manager in their first season at Anfield. Slot arrived at Liverpool after three highly successful campaigns with the Dutch side Feyenoord, and was named manager of the year on two occasions. He had a hard act to follow from Klopp who was loved by fans - he won the League Cup twice, the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Premier League. So who is Arne Slot? Niall Paterson speaks to Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris and Rob McDonald who was Slot's first coach. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 25, 202516 min

What happens if the US walks away from a Ukraine peace deal?

JD Vance is the latest senior member of Donald Trump's administration to say the US will walk away from peace talks if there isn’t a yes from both Ukraine and Russia. But the US plan to recognise Russia's claim to Crimea would be a breach of Ukraine's constitution and so not something President Volodomyr Zelenskyy can agree to even if he wanted to keep the talks alive. On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn about what will happen to Ukraine and Russia - and to the UK's and Europe's relations with the US - if Trump walks away from peace talks. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Wendy Parker

Apr 24, 202515 min

Ukraine war: are we inching closer to peace?

Delegations arrived in London on Wednesday for talks on a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine after the discussions were downgraded from the very top level. Officials, including the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Foreign Secretary David Lammy had been expected to attend, but that’s now not happening.The downgrading in the level of diplomacy is in contrast with an intensification in the pressure from Donald Trump to agree a ceasefire. So, what’s going on? Is a peace deal inching closer or moving further away? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to Sky’s military analyst Michael Clarke to find out.Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 23, 202515 min

What next after the Pope?

As Catholics around the world continue to mourn the death of Pope Francis, the process to elect a new pope will begin soon. But what direction will the new pontiff take? Will the cardinals pick a reformer or go with a traditionalist? And how will the church deal with waning congregations in the global north in comparison with the growing numbers in the south. Niall Paterson speaks to Freddy Gray, editor of the US Spectator and former deputy editor of the Catholic Herald about the tensions in the Catholic Church and how they will be resolved.Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 22, 202513 min

What's the legacy of Pope Francis?

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, a day after appearing in the Vatican’s St Peter's Square to wish worshippers a happy Easter Sunday. Earlier this year, he was treated in hospital for five weeks with an infection, but had been discharged. The Argentinian pontiff, who ushered in a swathe of reforms over his 12-year papacy, symbolised to many an increasingly modern, progressive, and inclusive church. Niall Paterson is joined by Italian-born Sky News presenter Barbara Serra, who covered the death of Pope John Paul II for Sky News in 2005, as well as Pope Francis's election in 2013, and is herself a Catholic. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 21, 202516 min

Who is the "world's coolest dictator" Nayib Bukele?

El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele was welcomed into the White House by President Trump earlier this week. The pair have recently become close allies after Trump began sending Venezuelan immigrations to a prison in El Salvador. On this Sky News Daily host Niall Paterson finds out who the self-proclaimed "world's coolest dictator" actually is. He speaks to chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay about what impact Bukele has had on El Salvador's gang problems and if he has transformed the country into a business and tourism haven. He also hears from Dr Ainhoa Montoya author and senior researcher at the Spanish National Research Council, and founding director of the Centre for Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of London. She explains how Bukele secured his position of power and uses social media as a propaganda tool.Producer: Soila Apparicio

Apr 17, 202516 min

Trans women not legally women say judges – what changes now?

The definition of a woman is based on biological sex, according to the UK’s most senior judges. As part of the decision, Lord Hodge, one of the judges, said: “We counsel against reading this judgement as a triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another, it is not." Nevertheless, campaigners who brought this case to the courts cheered and hugged as the judges left the room. This episode hears from both sides of one of the most divisive debates in society and Niall Paterson speaks to legal commentator Joshua Rosenberg about the legal and social implications of the court decision. Producer: Soila ApparicioEditor: Paul Stanworth

Apr 16, 202517 min

Weinstein retrial: What happened to the #MeToo momentum?

Jury selection begins on Tuesday in the retrial of the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, where the original charges of rape and sexual assault will be heard again. Last year his convictions on those charges were overturned due to concerns the judge had made improper rulings. The accusations against the Hollywood mogul were first published seven years ago - sparking the #MeToo movement. It saw a flood of women - famous and not - sharing stories of gender-based violence and harassment. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to arts and entertainment correspondent Katie Spencer about why Weinstein is in court again and whether the #MeToo movement he sparked still has the impact it once had.

Apr 15, 202513 min

From Shanghai to Scunthorpe - what's China's influence on UK industry?

British Steel's Scunthorpe steelworks are now effectively under government control after the business secretary said Chinese owner Jingye had decided to stop buying enough raw materials to keep the blast furnaces going. Jonathan Reynolds said the government took the action as steel "is vital for our national security". But with Chinese companies owning hundreds of billions of pounds worth of infrastructure assets throughout the UK, do they have too much influence on the UK's critical industries? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to business correspondent Paul Kelso about nationalising British Steel, Chinese investment in the UK economy and whether the government can ultimately keep the lights in the furnaces on. The Sky News Daily has approached Jingye for comment.

Apr 14, 202514 min

Electoral Dysfunction: Why isn’t Keir Starmer saying what he really thinks?

On today's Sky News Daily, we're sharing the latest episode of Electoral Dysfunction. Donald Trump has pressed pause on his higher tariffs... but not before he unleashed absolute chaos on the global economy.It all came down to the bond market - which you might remember from Liz Truss's time as prime minister... Alongside most countries, the UK still has the base level of 10% tariffs on exports and 25% on automobiles, so is the prime minister's "keep cool" strategy still paying off?Or is the UK just in the same boat, waiting along with everybody else for Trump's next move? One thing's for sure - Harriet thinks the UK government is speaking in code. She says Starmer needs to speak up and reassure the British public a bit more.

Apr 11, 202533 min

Bin strikes, stinking rubbish and rats – what's life like in Birmingham now?

It's been five weeks since the Birmingham bin strikes began over a long-running dispute between workers and the council. The city's residents have complained that mounting rubbish is a risk to public health, with rotting food attracting foxes, cockroaches and rats. Tom Cheshire speaks to Sky's Midlands correspondent, Shamaan Freeman-Powell, who's been in the city finding out how residents are dealing with the mounting rubbish, the smell and the rats - and whether an end to the strikes is in sight. Podcast producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker

Apr 10, 202512 min

US-China trade war ramps up: Who will blink first?

Donald Trump has raised trade tariffs on China again - up to 125% and that's effective immediately.At the same time, he's ordered a 90-day pause on higher tariffs for dozens of countries.If it wasn't a trade war between the world's two biggest economies before - it is now. On this episode, Mark Austin examines if China will keep on retaliating against Donald Trump. Its tariffs on US imports had been increased to 84%.He's joined by vice president of the Beijing thinktank, the Centre for China and Globalisation, Victor Gao. He explains why he's sure that China will not blink first in this 'dangerous' standoff.Plus, our business correspondent Gurpreet Narwan on why the president has singled out China.*This episode was recorded just before President Trump increased US tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%. Producer: Emma Rae WoodhouseEditor: Paul Stanworth

Apr 9, 202516 min

Courts and the Colosseum: What is the Harry and King Charles dynamic now?

Unannounced Prince Harry arrived at the court of appeal in London on Tuesday, as part of a last-ditch attempt to overturn the Home Office decision to remove his UK state funded security, something he calls an “injustice”. It overshadows the King and Queen’s state visit to Italy which comes at a time of geopolitical and diplomatic delicacy as Trump’s tariffs upend world order as we know it. On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin speaks to royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills in Rome about why security has been a sticking point in Prince Harry’s and the King’s relationship. They discuss if this clash of events tells us anymore about the pair’s dynamic. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

Apr 8, 202514 min

Market turmoil: Are we heading for a global recession?

Today has seen chaos on global stock markets, with price plunges reminiscent of the famous Black Monday crash of 1987. Back then, the causes were unclear, whereas today there's no doubt - Trump's "liberation day" tariffs have spooked the markets. In 1987, people feared Black Monday was a sign of a global recession. They were wrong. Are we right to have the same fears today? Tom Cheshire is joined by Sky's Darren McCaffrey and stockbroker Russ Mould to discuss what might come next. Producers: Tom Pooley Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 7, 202515 min

The rise (and fall?) of Marine Le Pen

The leader of France's far-right National Rally party Marine Le Pen has had her dreams of becoming the president of France thwarted. It comes after a court found her guilty of embezzling European Union funds. She's now been banned from running for political office for five years. She has the support of Elon Musk, and Donald Trump who publicly backed her after the conviction, and this weekend there's a massive rally planned in Paris in support of her. So who is Marine Le Pen? Niall Paterson talks to Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief of The Economist who has written a book about Emmanuel Macron and has been reporting on Marine Le Pen for years. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 4, 202515 min

Trump's tariffs: what do they mean for Britain?

President Donald Trump has imposed immediate tariffs of 10% on all British exports to the United States. He did this as he announced a "declaration of economic independence" for the US. On his self-declared "Liberation Day", Mr Trump described the tariffs as reciprocal and said he was going to be "kind" by charging half of each country’s total "anti-US" measures. Niall Paterson talks to Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso about what these tariffs might mean for British business, which sectors are exempt, and whether a further deal can be worked out with Mr Trump. Producer; Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker

Apr 3, 202514 min

How have Trump's tariffs already affected China?

China's economy is already struggling. Growth has slowed dramatically in recent years and there is high youth employment. Since the beginning of March, there's also been a tax of 20% on any goods sold to the US. Ahead of President Donald Trump’s "liberation day", what effect are tariffs already having on the Chinese economy? Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith who has been to Guangdong province to find out how manufacturing is being impacted. They also discuss how the tariffs will play into President Xi’s narrative of a resurgent global China. producer: Emma Rae Woodhouseeditor: Philippa Beaumont

Apr 2, 202516 min

Bills, bills, bills: How can you beat the hikes?

From 1 April, household bills are going up. The cost of everything from energy to phone bills, council tax, and broadband is increasing. You can calculate how the increases will impact you here. So, is there any way you can beat the hikes? Daily host Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso to look at why costs are going up, and gets some advice on how to limit the impact on your wallet from financial advisor and founder of Money Matters, Georgia Taylor. Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Wendy Parker

Apr 1, 202514 min

Anger and acrimony: The Prince Harry charity row explained

Last week, Prince Harry quit as patron of a charity he co-founded in memory of his mother, Princess Diana. Over the weekend, the charity's chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka told Sky News' Trevor Philips the prince had been "the number one risk" to the charity and accuses the Duke of unleashing "the Sussex machine" on her and Sentebale's staff. A source close to the former trustees of the charity has described the claims as "completely baseless".On today's Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills about the very public fallout. Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont

Apr 1, 202515 min

Who is MAGA's most aggressive loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene?

US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene hit the headlines this week when she told Sky's US correspondent Martha Kelner to "go back to your own country ". It was the latest controversy in a political career for the Republican firebrand - a staunch supporter of US President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. But who is she and how influential has she become? Host Jonathan Samuels speaks to Tia Mitchell, Washington Bureau Chief for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, who has been covering Ms Greene since she first entered politics five years ago. She tells us what she’s like in person, how she emerged and her most controversial moments. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Philly Beaumont & Paul Stanworth

Mar 28, 202516 min

How will Trump’s car tariffs affect the UK? Ed Conway explains

President Trump has announced a 25% tax on all car imports and car parts to the US - they're due to come on 2 April along with tariffs on many other goods in what Trump is calling "Liberation Day". Rachel Reeves says the UK won't impose retaliatory tariffs yet, in hopes of a deal being struck between the two countries. Niall Paterson talks to Professor David Bailey about how British car companies will be affected, and also to economics and data editor Ed Conway on the wider implications of a potential trade war for the UK economy. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker

Mar 27, 202516 min

Spring statement: Beth Rigby and Ed Conway on Rachel Reeves's changed plan

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has set out her plans for the UK economy during her spring statement in the House of Commons. It came as the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) - which monitors the government's spending plans - unveiled its latest economic forecasts. Liz Bates is joined by Sky's political editor Beth Rigby, and economics and data editor Ed Conway, to pick through the detail and discuss why the chancellor changed her original plan. Producers: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Mar 26, 202518 min

Trump's metal tariffs are already buckling the UK economy: Ed Conway explains

The world is bracing itself for what Donald Trump is calling 'Liberation Day' when on 2 April he's promised tariffs will be placed on most countries trading with the US. The UK is already feeling the effects of Trump's protectionist policies after tariffs were imposed on its metal industries. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to economics and data editor Ed Conway who has been travelling across the UK looking at the impact they're having so far. He visits an aluminium plant in Scotland and a stainless steel producer in Sheffield, both hit by the tariffs, but finds there is some hope for a tungsten mine in Devon. Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible Podcast producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Wendy Parker

Mar 25, 202516 min

The 'charisma battle' at the heart of the Turkish protests

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Turkey, following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu – the main rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Opposition leader Mr Imamoglu is a popular politician and is a 2028 presidential nominee – but last Wednesday he was detained and later formally arrested for corruption, a move he believes is politically motivated. On Sky News Daily, Liz Bates talks to Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford who has been reporting from Istanbul and meeting with protesters. She also speaks to Hannah Lucinda Smith, the author of Erdogan Rising: The Battle For The Soul Of Turkey, about who Ekrem Imamoglu is and what his arrest tells us about the direction President Erdogan is taking the country. Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible Podcast producer: Rosie GillottEditor: Paul Stanworth

Mar 24, 202515 min

How could a fire shut down Europe's biggest airport?

Heathrow Airport has been shut all day after an "unprecedented" fire hit a nearby substation. Counter-terrorism police are leading the investigation into the blaze, with thousands of people affected by plane cancellations and power cuts. On the Sky News Daily, Rob Powell talks to The Independent’s travel writer Simon Calder about how airports prepare for an emergency. He also talks to Sky's data and forensic correspondent Tom Cheshire about how one fire closed Europe's biggest airport and what lessons can be learned. Podcast producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Philly Beaumont

Mar 21, 202514 min

Is the soft power of the royals more important than ever?

Prince William is in Estonia to visit British troops but also to show the UK's support for the NATO country which borders Russia. The King's invitation to Donald Trump to come to the UK for a state visit was seen as a key part of British diplomacy to keep the US president on side. And the King and Queen are due to go to Italy soon with a focus on UK-Italian defence co-operation. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills in Tallinn to discuss whether at this critical time the UK is deploying the soft power of the royals to make a difference. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker

Mar 20, 202513 min

Can Adolescence change the rise of the ‘manosphere’?

Netflix’s hit drama series Adolescence has shone a light on the pressures faced by boys growing up today, and the rise in misogynistic violence that frequently hits the headlines. It tells the story of what happens to the Miller family after 13-year-old Jamie is arrested in a dawn raid for killing a girl in his class. Sky News' political correspondent Tamara Cohen and Labour MP for Darlington Lola McEvoy join Niall Paterson to discuss Sky News’ exclusive survey of a thousand kids aged 16 to 17 about what they see online. Is social media solely to blame? How should schools and parents be safeguarding young people? And what is our collective responsibility in tackling toxic masculinity? Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont Help us understand more about our listeners by taking our survey! This form should only take a few minutes to complete, and Sky anonymises the responses as much as possible

Mar 19, 202514 min

Inside Syria's prisons: Alex Crawford speaks to a British ISIS fighter

Sky News' special correspondent Alex Crawford joins Niall Paterson to discuss her recent trip to northeast Syria, where she gained extremely rare access to one of the main ISIS prisons under Kurdish control.It's a time of particular upheaval in the country - since the new regime took over in Damascus, ISIS attacks have doubled. Alex tells us about the British ISIS fighter she met in the prison - Hamza Parvez, the first Briton to openly declare he was fighting for ISIS in 2014. Alex’s visit forms part of a bigger conversation about how new president Ahmed al Sharaa is looking to make a deal with a patchwork of ethnically run territories in the northeast region, to join him in a united Syria. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly BeaumontProducer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Philly Beaumont

Mar 18, 202516 min

Why is Labour sick of the benefit PIP?

The government is due on Tuesday to set out its plans to make cuts to the welfare system. One of the benefits targeted for £5bn worth of savings is the key disability benefit - Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Health Secretary Wes Streeting has told Sky News 1,000 people a day apply for PIP, but pressure from Labour's backbenchers could see plans to reform the benefit watered down. On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Paul Morrison, a benefits expert and policy adviser for the Methodist Church, on how PIP works and who is eligible. Political correspondent Liz Bates explains the challenges of reforming PIP. Podcast producers: Natalie Ktena & Rosie GillottEditor: Wendy Parker

Mar 17, 202513 min

Jonathan Powell – the UK’s bridge with Trump and Ukraine?

Sir Keir Starmer appointed Jonathan Powell to be his national security adviser at one of the most critical points in European security since the Cold War. He has spent years at the heart of government, helping to broker the peace deal in Northern Ireland and more recently the controversial Chagos deal. Now he is being credited with being the architect of the peace deal plan between Ukraine and Russia and the bridge between the Trump administration, Europe and Ukraine. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at the key role Powell is playing in working towards a lasting peace deal with political correspondent Rob Powell, and former national security adviser Lord Peter Ricketts. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker

Mar 14, 202515 min

Will Reform's civil war hurt the party?

Reform UK has consolidated its gains at the general election, with recent polling suggesting that it is neck and neck with Labour and ahead of the Conservatives.But now a huge row has erupted between Nigel Farage and his fellow MP Rupert Lowe. Mr Lowe is currently suspended from the party after being reported to the police over alleged threats towards Reform's chairman. He has called the allegations "false" and says it's because he "dared to question Nigel Farage".On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what's behind the row and examines how damaging it is for Reform with Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig and Gawain Towler, the party's former director of communications.Podcast producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker

Mar 13, 202516 min

The Danish group behind a children's home run like a cult

The Red House was a children’s home in Norfolk which took in hundreds of students in care from across the UK between 1984 and 1998. It was run by a controversial Danish group called Tvind, operating an unconventional education system - most students from the Red House left without any qualifications. Now, over 40 former pupils have come forward with allegations of physical and sexual abuse they say they faced at the home. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to correspondent Alice Porter about what has been uncovered, as she travelled to Denmark to track down the organisation behind the Red House and investigate claims it is a cult. And we hear from victims about the alleged abuse faced by students. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Mar 12, 202518 min

What the North Sea crash could mean for the environment?

More than 30 people have been rescued, and one remains missing, after a cargo ship struck an oil tanker in the North Sea on Monday. As one ship continues to burn, Niall Paterson is joined by our science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore to look at how the crash happened. Plus, David Craven, from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, tells us about the environmental impact the fire, and the leaking contents of the ships, could have on the birds, seals, and whales that live off England’s east coast. Podcast producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Mar 11, 202514 min

How will Canada’s new PM take on Donald Trump?

He's guided Canada through financial crisis and the UK through Brexit, but has no government experience. So how will Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, tackle what could be the biggest challenge of his career, defending Canada from Donald Trump? On today's podcast, Niall Paterson talks to our data and economics editor Ed Conway, who interviewed Mr Carney during his time as governor of the Bank of England, about the experience he brings to his new role. Plus, Catherine Cullen, host of the Canadian Broadcasting Company's award-winning political program The House, looks at the challenges Mark Carney will face as he heads into office. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont

Mar 10, 202515 min

Is Rachel Reeves giving clues about what's in the Spring Statement?

Sky News political editor Beth Rigby has been to 11 Downing Street to talk to the Chancellor for Electoral Dysfunction. Rachel Reeves reflects on her first few months in the job, and hints on what might come in her Spring Statement with some strong words on the need for welfare reform. You can listen to the full interview on Electoral Dysfunction here.

Mar 7, 202511 min

It's a critical time for the MoD - so who is Defence Secretary John Healey?

After just eight months in his role, Defence Secretary John Healey is dealing with one of the most challenging in-trays in the cabinet. He is meeting US counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington on Thursday, as he works to bridge the gap on how to reach a Ukraine peace deal. On today’s podcast, Niall Paterson talks to ex-armed forces minister James Heappey who worked with Healey when he was in opposition, and to Malcolm Chalmers who focuses on UK defence and security at the think-tank RUSI about the challenges the defence secretary faces. Producer: Soila Apparicio Assistant producer: Millie Gibson Editor: Wendy Parker

Mar 6, 202516 min