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
116episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why nationalisation could be Burnham’s big gamble
4d ago00:16:40Tap to summarizeIt’s coming home.... British Steel will once again be, well, British after it was renationalised to “protect the future of steel production in the UK” - and that could be just the start.Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham has described water, energy, transport and housing as the “essentials of life” that should be run principally in the public, rather than private, interest.But can nationalisation solve the fundamental issues privatisation was meant to solve? And if Burnham does deliver more services back into public ownership, what would be the trade-offs and ultimately the cost?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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Why doesn’t the government trust teenagers?
5d ago00:12:05Tap to summarizeYou can have sex, learn to drive and join the army – but can’t be trusted to watch YouTube after midnight. Are the government’s latest curbs on teenage social media use practical or performative?The proposed curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds builds on the outright ban for under-16s due to come into force next spring – but won’t be compulsory.With the government committed to reducing the general election voting age to 16, are they in danger of sending a mixed message about how much we trust young people.Why do we allow teenagers to have certain responsibilities but not others? And should parents take more responsibility for preparing their children for adult life?Niall Paterson speaks to child psychologist Dr Adam Abdelnoor.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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Why is Trump risking a 'forever war' with Iran?
6d ago00:17:35Tap to summarizeRip up the Memorandum of Understanding, the ceasefire is well and truly over. Iran and the United States are once more at war – with oil tankers targeted and the Strait of Hormuz firmly shut.Donald Trump's response? He insists the US will take control of the disputed waterway and act as a "guardian angel" for all ships passing through.Originally, he wanted to charge a 20% toll for the privilege, before backtracking on what seemed like an unworkable claim.But is the US still in danger of being dragged deeper into a long-term conflict with Iran that could have repercussions for the region – and the global economy – for years to come?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.
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Why England vs Argentina means more than just football
1w ago00:20:48Tap to summarizeFrom beef over barbed wire to a shared love of Oasis and The Beatles – the relationship between England and Argentina is... complicated.On the pitch, it’s one of the great footballing rivalries – defined by Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" and David Beckham’s red card redemption.Off it, the two countries share a complex history. The dispute over the Falklands remains at the core of the Argentine psyche, but so too does a love of British music, sport and even red post boxes.Now, the old rivals are set to meet once more for a place in the World Cup final. So why does this fixture feel so different?Niall Paterson is joined by the writer, broadcaster and author of Angels With Dirty Faces, a history of the Argentinian game, Jonathan Wilson.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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Daddy diplomacy: Why NATO's Mark Rutte remains the Trump whisperer
1w ago00:21:34Tap to summarizeMark Rutte has spent years quietly building a reputation as one of Europe's most effective political operators. Now, as NATO secretary general, he's trying to keep the world's most powerful military alliance together at a time of growing global uncertainty.So, who is Mark Rutte? Niall looks at the leadership style that's defined his career, how he's navigating some of the biggest challenges facing NATO, and why his ability to build relationships could shape the alliance's future.With insight from Royal United Services Institute director general Rachel Ellehuus, we explore what makes Rutte tick, and what his leadership could mean for the years ahead.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us at why@sky.ukBecome a Sky News Insider! You can listen to Stuff Matters, Electoral Dysfunction, and Trump100 without ads, get new episodes early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, by becoming a Sky News Insider. Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over. Find out more and subscribe here: skynews.supportingcast.fm
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Why Harry’s legal loss leaves him at a crossroads
2w ago00:18:10Tap to summarizeEverybody has a bad week from time to time - but for Prince Harry the last few days have been something of a royal disaster.The King's wayward son lost his High Court battle against the publisher of the Daily Mail before accusing the judge of a "complete and obvious whitewash".Days earlier Buckingham Palace denied he would be staying there after the duke's team said he was. And as things stand, there will be no meeting with the King before the end of his stay in the UK.So, what's next for Harry in the rift with his family and his fight with the press?Niall Paterson is joined by royal commentator Jennie Bond.
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Why Donald Trump says the Iran ceasefire is over
2w ago00:17:40Tap to summarizeThe US and Iran are trading strikes again as Donald Trump turns to his weapon of choice - sitting down at press conferences and calling people names. America’s insulter-in-chief has used a NATO summit to say Iran are “sick people" and "scum" and that the ceasefire is now "over”. It was a fragile agreement that has broken down after tankers were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz - so who is to blame for the latest violence? What next for the ceasefire and could we soon see a return to all-out war? Niall is joined by Sky’s military analyst Michael Clarke.
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Why has Nigel Farage resigned as an MP?
2w ago00:19:13Tap to summarizeA fight for his political future or nothing more than a publicity stunt? Nigel Farage has announced he’s resigning as MP for Clacton only to stand to again in the by-election he’s triggering.Mr Farage calls it a case of the “people versus the establishment” but did he jump before he was pushed?He has faced intense scrutiny over his financial affairs, after it was reported he had received support from his long-time ally, the convicted fraudster George Cottrell – and is also the subject of a parliamentary investigation over a £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne.So why resign now? Will Mr Farage’s political enemies be able to take advantage? And is there any truth to the conspiracy theories of an establishment and media hatchet job?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s Chief political correspondent Jon Craig.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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Why is Sky buying the home of Coronation Street?
2w ago00:18:39Tap to summarizeCancel Corrie? No chance! ITV will remain free-to-air and continue to show fan favourites, such as Coronation Street and Love Island, following a deal to sell the broadcaster to Sky.Both Sky and ITV insist the move will make it easier to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix. And there’s a commitment to buy programmes from ITV Studios – which is not included in the sale – until 2034.But what does the deal mean for both viewers and the UK media landscape? And will regulators have questions about Britain’s biggest commercial TV station being snapped up by a US-owned rival?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.Sky is the parent company of Sky News, which makes this podcast.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
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Why Burnham could get the Milibands back together
2w ago00:22:00Tap to summarizeBrothers, rivals, cabinet colleagues? When Ed Miliband beat brother David to the Labour leadership in 2010, it looked as if their relationship had been fractured beyond repair.But it appears Andy Burnham is giving serious consideration to offering them both big roles in his administration.Can the Milibands really work together again in government after years of estrangement? Will it be senior women in the cabinet who are forced to make way for their promotion to power?And what does it say about Burnham’s political instincts that he appears to be so reliant on former friends from the Blair-Brown era?Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s chief political correspondent, Jon Craig.
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