Podcast
This Is Why
Hosted by Sky News · EN
The world’s a pretty confusing place right now – so how do you make sense of it all? This Is Why takes one story every day, explains how we got here and why it matters to you.
Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions.
Available every weekday afternoon.
This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
71episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why winning Makerfield might not be so easy for Andy Burnham
2d ago00:20:50Tap to summarizeThe constituency of Makerfield has been a Labour safe seat for generations, but in the May elections, Reform UK won nearly every seat that was up for grabs at the local council. So how much of a gamble is it for Andy Burnham to try to stage a Commons return here? In his favour is his personal popularity in Greater Manchester and the fact he grew up in the area. Against him is the momentum of Reform and the fact that Makerfield hasn't benefitted from some of Burnham's key policies as mayor of the city. To discuss his chances, Niall speaks to Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk
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Why Wes Streeting is accused of putting ambition above national interest
3d ago00:22:04Tap to summarizeOn Thursday lunchtime, Wes Streeting resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government. The now-former health secretary said he had “lost confidence” in the PM’s premiership – the first cabinet minister to jump ship.But what he didn’t say (yet) is that he will challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership – and with it, the keys to Number 10.So, why hasn’t Streeting fired the starting gun on a contest his critics say he’s been desperate to fight? What sort of leader might he eventually be, and what’s his track record in government?Niall is joined by Sky News’ political correspondent Rob Powell.Watch Wes Streeting’s appearance on Electoral Dysfunction with Beth Rigby here.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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Why is the Royal Navy sending HMS Dragon to the Strait of Hormuz?
4d ago00:19:03Tap to summarizeThe UK is providing jets, drones and our only operational Type 45 destroyer – HMS Dragon – as part of a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz.Thousands of tankers and cargo ships remain stranded after the Strait was closed at the end of February due to the Iran war.Defence Secretary John Healey has stressed the deployment is a defensive measure to secure freedom of navigation – but will only be used once a ceasefire is in place.Will these military assets actually make a difference, and how does the Ministry of Defence operate at a time of such political uncertainty?Niall is joined by military analyst Professor Michael Clarke to find out more about the mission and the equipment the UK is sending.For more on HMS Dragon, you can listen to our episode with defence analyst Tom Sharpe here.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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Why are we addicted to changing prime ministers?
5d ago00:17:31Tap to summarizeKeir Starmer is on the brink, as more and more Labour MPs and ministers call for his resignation – less than two years after he walked into Number 10.He remains defiant (for now), but whatever the fate of the prime minister, his predicament is one we've seen repeated over the past decade in a seemingly never-ending cycle of chopping and changing leaders.Since David Cameron's resignation in 2016 – after Britain voted to leave the European Union – no prime minister has served a full parliamentary term.Gareth Barlow speaks to pollster and founder at Merlin Strategy Scarlett Maguire about our impatience with politics and why the country feels ungovernable.Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk
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Why replacing Keir Starmer isn't straightforward
6d ago00:16:58Tap to summarizeDespite a disastrous set of local and national election results, the prime minister has vowed to carry on regardless. But dozens of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour MPs have now called on him to resign – or at least set out a timetable for when he will leave Downing Street.Surely choosing a replacement – or even triggering a leadership contest – should be straightforward? However, even though there are any number of potential challengers, the PM could well be safer than you think.Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent, Lucy McDaid, to discuss the Labour leadership election process, how it differs from the Tories and what needs to happen for Starmer to be ousted.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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Why is Sergei Shoigu being accused of a Putin putsch plot?
1w ago00:16:32Tap to summarizeThe annual Victory Day parade in Moscow will be a much smaller affair this year, without an intercontinental ballistic missile in sight.Why? Well, the threat of a Ukrainian drone attack is certainly one reason. But is there any credibility in reports of another threat - this time against Vladimir Putin himself?An anonymous European intelligence agency has claimed the Russian president is spooked over the prospect of a potential coup or even a possible assassination attempt.The alleged plotter is being named as former Putin ally and shunned ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu. But how credible is this report, and is the president's paranoia justified?Our Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett joins Niall to discuss whether Shoigu is really plotting to oust Putin, and what it means if the leader's grip on power is slipping.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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Why Trump's oil boom is bad news for the UK
1w ago00:19:00Tap to summarizeThe emergence of the United States as an energy superpower has reshaped the global economy. Good news for its allies, right? Well, not necessarily...In Texas, fracking has turned America from a major importer into the world's biggest energy producer, effectively creating "another Saudi Arabia" almost overnight.But as Europe looks to the US to plug the energy gap caused by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the reality on the ground is more complicated.Ed Conway, our economics and data editor, joins Niall to explore why the US can't simply ride to the rescue and what that means for the UK's energy security.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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Why the May elections matter
2w ago00:20:53Tap to summarizeMillions of people are preparing to head to the polls across Britain on Thursday. They'll be voting for thousands of local council seats in England - while people in Scotland and Wales will elect members of their respective devolved parliaments. But the results could have a huge impact on national politics. So, what happens to the prime minister if Labour loses as badly as expected? And does a good night for the Greens or Reform UK really mean they are banging on the door of Number 10? Niall previews what to expect at the polls with Cathy Newman - host of the Cathy Newman Show on Sky News from 7pm on Monday to Thursday. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
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Why Estonia is on the front line of Russia's rising ambitions
2w ago00:14:40Tap to summarizeIt's the small Baltic state that's no stranger to being invaded - having been occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.But while many hope it will never happen again, there are fears in NATO and beyond that Estonia is next on Vladimir Putin's hitlist.So how is the country preparing for the threat from Russia? And could Estonia really be on the front line of a future war in Europe?Niall is joined by the outgoing UK ambassador to Estonia, Ross Allen.
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Why the United Nations is no longer fit for purpose
2w ago00:20:05Tap to summarizeWith conflicts continuing in Ukraine, Africa and the Middle East, the global economy being held to ransom and the old world order seemingly up-ended, is there any role left for the United Nations? Founded in the shadow of two world wars, the UN used to be considered the guardian of international law and order. But is it now little more than a toothless talking shop? Niall is joined by Sky News' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn to help answer a query from a listener on whether the United Nations still has any meaningful function in the modern world. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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