This Is Why

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is looking for closer ties with Europe – but could an “associate” membership with the EU push the UK to the back of the queue?

Addressing the European Parliament, Carney welcomed the idea of forming a partnership, which could potentially give Canada closer ties on trade, defence, and technology.

The country is keen to strengthen its ties beyond the USA – with Donald Trump still intent on a punishing trade war. But what are the implications for the UK, as relations with Brussels continue to stall?

What would associate membership mean? And could Canada become a blueprint for other countries?

Niall Paterson speaks to director of the UK in a Changing Europe, Anand Menon.

The country is under threat. Russian aggression, war in the Middle East and a military which has been ‘hollowed out’ for decades have all led to a crisis point for the United Kingdom.

In a special episode of This Is Why, Britain’s most senior military official has explained why he believes this is the most dangerous moment in his 35-year career.

In a wide-ranging interview with Niall Paterson, the Chief of the Defence Staff – Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton – has also revealed:

There is more exclusive content with Sir Richard Knighton on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.

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Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

The case of Britain’s most prolific child killer has gripped the nation ever since Lucy Letby’s trial began in October 2022.

The former neonatal nurse was later convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

Now, a public inquiry has found some of those deaths could have been avoided if safeguarding action had been taken to remove her from the ward. So, what else did the report find and what action might the hospital face?

Niall Paterson and Sky’s chief North of England correspondent, Greg Milam, also discuss whether the findings will support the cause of those who believe Letby is innocent.

It was a hole-in-one for the republican cause – the US president using a trip to his golf course in County Clare to lend his weight to the fight for a united Ireland.

The timing couldn’t have been better for the first ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as they met to discuss further cooperation in the campaign for independence.

But despite Donald Trump’s insistence that he would “love to see” a united Ireland – even if that means the break-up of the United Kingdom – Westminster should not worry just yet.

Niall Paterson has been speaking to Sky’s Ireland correspondent, Stephen Murphy, about why there is not as much of an appetite on either side of the Irish border for reunification as you might expect.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

As America marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, a row has erupted between the man who led New York through its darkest moments and the city’s current mayor.

Rudy Giuliani became the face of New York’s resilience following the fall of the Twin Towers, but he warned Zohran Mamdani to stay away from official memorial events.

Mamdani, the city’s first ever Muslim mayor, ignored his predecessor advice – despite being compared by Giuliani to the al Qaeda terrorists who carried out the 9/11 atrocities.

Is Giuliani’s ire racially motivated? What brought about the former Trump ally’s own fall from grace? And what have native New Yorkers made of Mamdani’s time in charge?

Niall Paterson is joined by Niall Stanage, White House columnist at The Hill.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Don’t worry, AI’s not preparing to wipe out humanity with a Terminator-style nuclear Armageddon – that's just not its style.

But could it develop a virus that does the job instead? Well, that seems more of a possibility....

And speaking of odds, both former and current employees of tech giant Anthropic put the chances of AI ending all human life at roughly 10 percent. They only differ on the timescale.

With seemingly no end to the breathtaking pace of development, is it too late for governments to intervene? And as experts increasingly acknowledge AI could cause existential change, how exactly could that happen?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s technology correspondent, Rowland Manthorpe.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Less up, up and away... more stuck on the tarmac. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded after yet another critical collapse of the country’s air traffic control system.

While a cyber-attack has been ruled out, it’s still the third time in four years severe disruption has affected airlines and travellers because of problems at NATS – a public-private partnership and the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services.

Why do these issues keep happening? Should the government intervene? And is it only a matter of time before passenger safety is compromised?

Niall Paterson speaks to aviation expert and former air traffic controller, Doug Maclean.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Imagine your child has been the victim of a terror attack. Then imagine the most intimate details of their injuries being viewed and shared without your permission or knowledge.

A Sky News and Health Service Journal investigation has uncovered the extent to which NHS staff are accessing patients’ medical records.

High profile cases include the victims of the Nottingham and Southport attacks. But information was also accessed to carry out coercive control and domestic abuse.

Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s health correspondent, Ashish Joshi, and Zoe Tidman – senior correspondent for the Health Service Journal.

NHS England has issued a response to the investigation, saying: “All NHS trusts are required to maintain audit logs of access to patient information as well as having controls in place to prevent and identify unauthorised access – and must take action in cases where staff have abused the trust of patients by accessing personal records without good reason.”

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

We have become used to seeing protests against small boat arrivals in the UK, but the speed and size of those in Dover and Portsmouth over the weekend felt like something new.

The demonstrations were led by a group founded by Daniel Thomas - a friend of far-right activist Tommy Robinson - who described the protests as "only the beginning".

Local authorities were seemingly caught out by events. So, will we now see more similar demonstrations? And what can the police do?

Gareth Barlow is joined by Sky's Data and Forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire.

Have you got a question for This is Why? Email us: why@sky.uk

Lots of 30-year-olds are career-driven, ambitious types - but perhaps none more so than French far-right politician Jordan Bardella.

The sharp-suited, clean-cut leader of France’s National Rally party is tipped as a future prime minister – or even president – of one of the UK’s closest allies.

He’s also been the star of the show at the Reform party conference in Birmingham – signing a deal on small boats with his admiring counterpart, Nigel Farage.

So, who is Bardella? And why would a party like Reform – that denies being far right – consummate such a close relationship?

Niall Paterson is joined by Dr Philippe Marliere, a professor in French and European politics at University College London.

Most taxi drivers tell tales about who they’ve had in the back of their cab. But how would you feel about catching a cab that doesn’t have a driver in the front?

Autonomous taxis can now be ordered on London’s streets – in a move many would liken to something out of a sci-fi movie. In reality, the cars currently arrive with a human “safety” driver - but the plan is that fairly soon they won’t.

So, how safe are these vehicles? And what does the move mean for real-life cabbies who might be fearing for their jobs?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s technology correspondent Rowland Manthorpe, who had an eventful journey in an autonomous taxi in central London.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Governments often tell people to live within their means - but can the new prime minister?

Andy Burnham will need to try hard after the UK's long-term borrowing costs reached a 28-year high.

It's a serious headache for a prime minister who faced his first PMQs on Wednesday. So why are the costs so high? And how will this impact chancellor John Healey's first Budget next month?

Niall Paterson sits down with Sky's economics and data editor, Ed Conway.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

The leader of the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt has been called "the most dangerous man in Germany".

Ulrich Siegmund, a 35-year-old former perfume salesman, is on course to be elected as leader of the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

His victory would be the biggest win for a far-right party since the Second World War.

So who is he and what does the AfD stand for? And what would a state election win for the party mean for Germany and for Europe?

Niall is joined by Sky’s Europe’s correspondent Alistair Bunkall, who tracked down Siegmund at an AfD rally in Saxony-Anhalt.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Could artificial intelligence provide the key to finding true love?

The chief executive of Bumble certainly hopes so as she plans to introduce an AI feature to the popular dating app.

Whitney Wolfe Herd has already changed the world of dating by co-founding both Bumble and Tinder - so who is she? And why is she banking on AI being the future of matchmaking?

Niall is joined by Mashable's associate editor Anna Iovine for the last episode in our series profiling the biggest names in the tech industry you might have never heard of.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us at: why@sky.uk. You can also watch This Is Why on YouTube.

Three years into Sudan's war, millions face hunger, displacement and violence.

It was triggered by a power struggle between the army and a paramilitary organisation known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Britain could have a key role in ending the war as its ally the UAE has been accused of backing the RSF.

Dominic Waghorn speaks to Sky's Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir, who has recently returned from Sudan where she visited El Obeid, a city where thousands of civilians have sought shelter. It is facing siege-like conditions, and she tells us about what life is like there and what hope people have that the war will end.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Bob Harris joins This Is Why to remember Dolly Parton. He interviewed her many times during her decades-long career and explains why she meant so much to people from every generation.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

112 care leavers aged 18 to 24 died last year, according to a government-commissioned review – that's three to four times the rate of their peers.

Nick Martin, our people and politics correspondent, has been following the journeys of people leaving the care system for many years.

Joining Niall, he shares the stories of those who have lived in care. He tells us about the challenges young people face and the changes that could help them when leaving the system.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

The "glorification of dangerous driving for clicks and entertainment" was "utterly disgraceful" and such content should be removed, a spokesman for the prime minister has said.

This weekend, five young men died in a car travelling down on the wrong side of the A66; two policemen also died in the collision. In Ireland, just a week before, five boys died in a crash after their car was driven the wrong way down a motorway.

Niall speaks to Dr Mary Aiken, a Professor of Forensic Cyberpsychology at the University of East London, and tech journalist Will Guyatt about what is driving young people to risk their lives in this way? And are social media companies doing enough to take down the content?

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

With his fuzz of chaotic grey hair and love of philosophy, Palantir boss Alex Karp isn’t your average tech bro.

Not least because he recently published a pro-West manifesto that has been described as the “ramblings of a supervillain”.

His highly-controversial data analytics firm is known by critics as “the world’s most dangerous tech company” - so what does it actually do and why does it sit right at the heart of the NHS?

Niall is joined by Sky’s technology correspondent, Rowland Manthorpe, for the latest episode of our series looking at the most important people in tech that you might have never heard of.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Six years after stepping back from royal life to live in California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will return to the UK this month.

After years of public rows, explosive interviews and a bitter rift with his father and brother – King Charles and Prince William – could this be a chance for Prince Harry to rebuild relations?

In this episode of This is Why, Tom Cheshire is joined by Sky News’ royal correspondent Laura Bundock to unpack the Sussexes’ dramatic return and consider whether more is at play.

Donald Trump is threatening to scale back US military commitments in South Korea - at the risk of wider instability across Asia.

At the same time, the US president reaffirmed his “good relationship” with North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. So, why is Washington apparently willing to change its approach to diplomacy and security in the region?

In this episode of This Is Why, Niall Paterson is joined by Professor Ramon Pacheco Pardo to examine the shifting balance of power on the Korean Peninsula and what a reduced US military presence could mean for their allies across the Asia-Pacific.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk.

"London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer."

This was the short and not-very-sweet response from the Russian Embassy, after it was confirmed British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia.

Drone strikes have been used to great success by Ukraine recently, causing serious damage to military, economic and industrial infrastructure in Russia.

The Ministry of Defence defended the use of its weaponry, claiming the UK will continue to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine against "Russian aggression".

It’s not the first time Russia has used this sort of threat – so how seriously should we take it this time?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk.

Where were you at 7pm on Friday? Wherever you were, it’s likely you heard a loud alert activated on millions of mobile phones.

It was the biggest use yet of the government’s emergency alert system, warning of the dangers posed by wildfires across England and Wales.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the use of the measure, encouraging the public to take it seriously. But was it more red herring than red alert?

Should the system only be used if there is an imminent threat to life? Did it expose vulnerable people to potentially more danger? And what does it tell us about the way the Burnham government communicates?

Niall is joined by Jo Tanner, a former adviser to Boris Johnson and now a director at PR firm Rud Pedersen.

If you thought wildfires were confined to the countryside, it's time to think again.

Several homes have been destroyed across the West Midlands and Staffordshire as the country swelters in yet another heatwave.

Scorching temperatures and a lack of rain mean most parts of the UK are at threat of fires.

So what can you do to stay safe? And are the emergency services suitably prepared to deal with sustained infernos?

Niall Paterson is joined by retired London Fire Brigade commander Steve Dudeney, who now works as a fire and resilience consultant.

As envelopes were ripped open up and down the country, university vice-chancellors were as eager to find out the results as hundreds of thousands of anxious students.

So, a record number of undergraduates heading to campus this autumn might seem like good news for the higher education sector.

But do frozen tuition frees, rising costs, and reduced investment for universities tell a different story?

And with the prime minister encouraging more teenagers to take up vocational training, what does the future look like for universities?

Niall Paterson is joined by Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

You do the crime, you do the time… or a third of it if you’re part of the early release scheme.

The move has been controversial since it was first introduced two years ago - but public anger has been reignited over the scheduled release of two men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is now under huge pressure to ensure they remain behind bars - but is there anything he can actually do? And why was this scheme introduced in the first place?

Niall Paterson is joined by home affairs commentator and former adviser to Yvette Cooper, Danny Shaw.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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In what might feel like a rare break from sunshine, the UK is preparing itself for the most spectacular solar eclipse in a generation.

The cosmic phenomenon occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, meaning the country will be slowly plunged into darkness.

So, how can you watch safely? What is it about an eclipse that fascinates us? And with the Perseid meteor shower also taking place, what other celestial wonders might you witness if you make a habit of gazing up at the night sky?

Niall Paterson is joined by Dr Jenifer Millard, co-presenter of the Awesome Astronomy podcast.

To find your nearest eclipse event, click here.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Some leaders have gone to extreme measures to save their jobs - but is allowing a deadly war to rage on indefinitely a step too far?

That is what many believe Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is doing after he rejected Donald Trump's 15-point peace plan for Gaza.

The proposal was designed to end more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas - so why has Netanyahu rejected it? And can there ever be peace in Gaza with him in power?

Niall Paterson is joined by Middle East expert Dr H. A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Artificial intelligence is already changing how we work, communicate and find information. But could its biggest impact be on science?

Demis Hassabis is one of the most influential figures in AI. An artificial intelligence researcher and entrepreneur, he is the co-founder of Google DeepMind, having recently stepped down as chief executive to become the company's chair and chief scientist at its parent company Alphabet.

His is also co-founder and CEO of Isomorphic Labs, and an AI adviser to the UK government.

DeepMind has used AI to predict the structure of proteins, a breakthrough that helped Hassabis win a Nobel Prize and could accelerate the development of new medicines. And the ambition goes much further: using AI to tackle some of the biggest unanswered questions in biology, physics and beyond.

Niall Paterson speaks to Sebastian Mallaby, journalist and author of The Infinity Machine, about the extraordinary ambition behind DeepMind, why its approach to AI is different from some of its Silicon Valley rivals, and whether the technology could ultimately become the world's smartest scientist.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us at: why@sky.uk. You can also watch This Is Why on YouTube.

UEFA has said it is not lifting its boycott of the World Cup after FIFA president Gianni Infantino held a crisis meeting in Morocco. This appears to be in defiance of the letter issued by FIFA at the end of the meeting, which said it would "no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity".

The letter said Infantino had continued to have the support of everyone who attended the meeting, but some of FIFA's management team who had been critical of him were not there.

For now, he seems determined to hang on to power, but with UEFA also not backing down, is his position still under threat?

Mhari Aurora is joined by Rob Harris, Sky News' sports correspondent, to discuss what happens next.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Britain is on track for one of its worst harvests on record, according to new analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) think tank.

It's bad news for farmers whose businesses are struggling, bad news for consumers who could see higher prices and potentially bad news for the country.

We are far from being self-sufficient in our food production, already importing 40% of what we eat. So what should the government be doing to help farmers deal with the effects of climate change and protect our food security?

Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky News climate reporter Victoria Seabrook, and Martin Lines, a farmer in south Cambridgeshire who leads the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk

The 33-year-old star has announced that she is taking a break from public life due to “endless scrutiny”. In recent years her weight and health have been the subject of much speculation and concern.

Grande has endured a series of traumatic events. In 2017 a suicide bomber killed 22 people at her Manchester Arena show, and in 2018 her musical collaborator and ex-boyfriend Mac Miller died of an accidental overdose. Her latest music video Petal - in which she takes a chainsaw to her critics - sparked controversy as she looks visibly underweight.

But what’s the balance between ghoulish voyeurism and concern? And does she have a responsibility to her young impressionable fans? Mhari Aurora is joined by journalist and author of Toxic: Women, Fame And The Noughties, Sarah Ditum.

If you or someone you know needs support with disordered eating, you can contact Beat, the eating disorder charity, via their website beateatingdisorders.org.uk.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Nigel Farage has held his first press conference in months as he launched his party's new policy to tackle small boat arrivals, if it formed the next government.

It would see the Royal Navy intercepting boats carrying migrants and return them "under escort" to France or Belgium.

Reform's opponents have branded the plan unworkable, with the Tories saying the policy is not credible. But with Nigel Farage’s approval rating collapsing by 10 points in a fortnight, and Reform UK losing ground in recent elections to Labour and Restore, will this announcement help win back Reform's lost voters? Or is it more about distracting people from talking about Farage's finances?

Mhari Aurora is joined by Alain Tolhurst, chief reporter at Politics Home, to discuss how significant this policy announcement is.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Listen to Stuff Matters and subscribe for members-only content

You'll never think about a banana or look at your airpods in the same way after listening to this episode.

It’s the podcast crossover the world has been waiting for. Niall Paterson sits down with Sky’s data and economics editor Ed Conway to discuss his six-part podcast Stuff Matters.

The premise of the show is simple - Ed takes an everyday object before diving down a rabbit hole to explore what it tells us about the forces shaping our world.

So - how did a banana trigger a CIA-backed coup? What do LED lights tell us about the future of humanity? Listen to this episode of This Is Why... and then listen to Stuff Matters.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

The beautiful game is up for sale, with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino trying to raise billions of dollars from private equity for a stake in the World Cup.

It’s put him on a collision course with some of football’s most powerful bodies – including the Premier League and UEFA, which says it will boycott FIFA competitions if these plans go ahead. So, what is Infantino proposing and why is it being rushed through?

Could England and other European nations really go for the nuclear option and pull out of the World Cup? And what is the involvement of Donald Trump and his family?

Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky’s sports correspondent Rob Harris.

Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

Continental Europe is ablaze. Could Britain be next?

While we are yet to see the sort of devastation being experienced in France and Spain, record temperatures and drought conditions have already contributed to hundreds of wildfires across parts of the country.

And experts are warning the UK can expect bigger and more dangerous fires in the future. So, what is causing this threat and how well prepared are we?

Mhari Aurora hears from Sky correspondent Sadiya Chowdhury on France's frontline and speaks to wildfire safety expert Michael Bruce.

What happened to Suzy Lamplugh? It’s a painful question her family and the police have been asking themselves for 40 years.

The 25-year-old estate agent vanished four decades ago this week after leaving her office in Fulham to meet a client – the mysterious “Mr Kipper”.

It’s now hoped previously ignored witness testimony could help solve the high profile cold case - but why wasn’t this potentially key evidence taken seriously at the time?

Mhari Aurora and Sky’s crime commentator Martin Brunt discuss the impact of the case on women’s safety, whether there were police failings and what lessons – if any – have been learned.

Week two of Andy Burnham's premiership and he's hosting his first foreign leader: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

It was a meeting with benefits for both leaders - as Mr Zelenskyy seeks support on defence, while Mr Burnham wants to show off his foreign policy credentials.

They both may have got what they wanted after the UK prime minister announced support for Ukraine in relation to "Stone Cloak" drone jammers. So what is the technology and how might it help with the war effort?

Mhari Aurora and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke also discuss how important the UK's support is for Ukraine and how long it can last.

Have you got a question for Mhari? Email us: why@sky.uk

Less than two years ago, Louise Haigh resigned from government under a cloud. Today, she's back at the heart of power as Andy Burnham's first secretary of state, and one of the most influential figures in Westminster.

Niall Paterson is joined by Bloomberg journalist Rosa Prince to trace Ms Haigh's journey from Sheffield to the Cabinet Office.

They discuss the conviction that derailed her career, her role in Mr Burnham's rise to Number 10, and why those who know her see her as much more than the "Red Lou" label.

They also ask what kind of politician she really is, and whether the woman many now describe as the power behind the prime minister could one day become a leader in her own right.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

120 super-rich people have signed an open letter calling for higher taxes on the richest in society.

They say taxing wealth more fairly could help reduce inequality, support public infrastructure and help small businesses. And point out that there are 50 families with more wealth than half of all British people. Critics, though, argue it could drive wealth overseas and damage economic growth.

So, what exactly are they proposing? And is there ever likely to be a wealth tax in the UK?

Niall Paterson is joined by Julia Davies, a founding member of Patriotic Millionaires UK

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

It's not just Andy Burnham who's been purging politicians from government.

There's a wartime power struggle in Ukraine, where Volodymyr Zelenskyy ousted his top army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi – before trying to bring the country's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov back into government, just days after dismissing him.

The sacking of Fedorov led to almost a week of nationwide unrest and represents one of the biggest political crises since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

So, what does all this mean for Ukraine's ongoing struggle for survival? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Everybody needs good neighbours. And on the day Andy Burnham moved into 10 Downing Street, he installed a surprise choice next door at Number 11.

John Healey was highly critical of the Treasury when he quit as defence secretary last month, accusing it of being “unwilling” to provide the cash needed to fully fund his spending plans.

Now he’s the one who will have to put his money where his mouth is as the new chancellor. So, what challenges does he face and will he be able to find the cash Rachel Reeves supposedly couldn’t?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." Mike Tyson's infamous warning for his opponents could easily apply to the new occupant of Number 10.

Giving his first speech outside Downing Street, the new prime minister hinted at what his priorities will be – from easing the cost-of-living crisis to keeping commitments on defence spending.

But what happens when those plans make contact with reality? Can Mr Burnham's "Manchesterism" work on a national level? And will international events interfere with his domestic agenda?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig to assess what might happen in his first few weeks and months in office.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Cabinet minister, Manchester mayor, ‘King of the North’ - Andy Burnham has held plenty of positions during his political career. But the next will be by far the most significant.

The Makerfield MP is poised to take over as prime minister on Monday, after finally succeeding at his third attempt to become Labour leader.

But who is the man behind the former Blair-era minister turned mayor of Manchester? How did his upbringing shape him and what underpins his politics?

Niall is joined by chief political correspondent of The Times, Aubrey Allegretti.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

It’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

You 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

Rip 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.

From 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

Mark 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.uk

Become 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

Everybody 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.

The 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.

A 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

Cancel 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

Brothers, 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.

He’s a convicted child rapist who’s been stripped of his British citizenship. But the ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang – released from jail this week – cannot be removed from the UK.

Shabir Ahmed was sentenced in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12. But provisions in the Immigration Act 1971 mean he is safe from deportation.

Politicians from all parties – including prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham – are calling on the Home Office to take action. But what legally can be done? And how does the law actually work?

Niall is joined by lawyer, journalist and legal affairs commentator Joshua Rozenberg.

Warning: today’s episode contains references to grooming gangs, rape, sexual abuse and coercive control.

If you have been affected by any of the issues Joshua and Niall discussed you can call The Samaritans, free of charge, on 116 123.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Whether you’ve been enjoying or enduring the summer heatwave, running that new air-con unit has just got a whole lot more expensive.

For millions of people across England, Scotland and Wales the cost of household energy has soared by 13% from the 1 July – following the latest rise in the energy price cap.

The war in Iran is largely to blame, thanks to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent spike in oil and gas prices.

But Donald Trump’s military action began at the end of February, so why are we only beginning to feel the impact now? How long will the current high prices persist and are there any tricks for reducing those domestic bills?

Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky’s business news reporter James Sillars.

Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

Every prime minister promises ambitious plans to build new homes – every prime minister in more than half a century has failed. Andy Burnham says he’ll be different.

The former Manchester mayor is on the verge of becoming the new tenant in Number 10 and wants to oversee the biggest council house construction programme since the post-war boom.

But you have to go back to 1970 for the last time any government fulfilled its housebuilding target. So why is Mr Burnham so sure he can succeed where his predecessors have failed?

Mhari Aurora speaks to David Byers, deputy property editor at The Times and Sunday Times.

Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

Drones in, destroyers out. The Royal Navy looks set to be the biggest losers when the Defence Investment Plan is finally published.

Instead of building a new fleet of state-of-the-art warships, we will have to rely on cheaper ‘common combat vessels’ to serve as hubs for a hybrid response to the threat from Russia.

How will the change in military spending be received when Sir Keir Starmer makes his international swansong as prime minister at the NATO summit? And could he really be the next NATO secretary general, despite a mixed record on defence readiness?

Mhari Aurora speaks to Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes.

Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

The King has revealed how much income tax he pays, becoming the first monarch to ever do so.

The Palace said the move was “increasing transparency”, but have the royals given us the full picture?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock and forensic accountant Professor Atul Shah, who have been combing through the tax releases.

They explain exactly what was revealed and address whether the numbers are as clear-cut as they seem.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

It's all a little awkward. Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver his defence spending proposals to NATO next month, despite having lost both his job and his defence secretary.

But the outgoing PM seems determined to push through with his plans just days before Andy Burnham potentially moves into Downing Street.

The man whose resignation helped hasten Starmer's departure - ex-defence secretary John Healey - recently held talks with Burnham.

But what do we know about our expected new prime minister's position on military spending? Will he prove to be more of a hawk or a dove when it comes to the defence of the realm?

Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell and military analyst Sean Bell.

When an event discussing extreme heat at London Climate Week is called off due to... extreme heat, you know things are bad. In the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, “London is cooking.”

Yes, it’s summer and heatwaves are hardly a rarity. But as record temperatures in June follow record temperatures in May – it's the frequency and severity of these weather events that are frightening forecasters and climate scientists.

With a rare red heat warning in place across much of England and Wales, hundreds of schools have closed, travellers have been warned to avoid public transport and there are threats of power cuts.

But as our summers become ever hotter, are we doing enough to adapt national infrastructure? And why are politicians so hesitant to take transformative climate action?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

A decade to the day since the Brexit referendum, the European Union has postponed a proposed summit to reset the UK’s relationship with Europe.

Following the fall of the Starmer premiership, Brussels will now wait and see what a new Labour leader – likely to be Andy Burnham – wants to achieve from any potential EU negotiation.

But as every prime minister over the past 10 years has discovered, trying to reshape those relations from outside the union is fraught with political danger.

Will a Burnham Number 10 seek to strengthen ties with Europe? Could he call for a customs union - and be willing to pay the price? And how will it be viewed by the Leave-supporting voters of Makerfield and the rest of the so-called “Red Wall”?

Niall Paterson is joined by Anne McElvoy, executive editor of POLITICO Europe and co-host of our sister podcast, Politics at Sam and Anne’s.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

It's become a familiar sight in British politics - the lectern outside 10 Downing Street, ready for another resignation speech.

On Monday morning, Sir Keir Starmer became the sixth prime minister to stand down in almost a decade, despite on paper commanding a huge Labour majority.

So, why was his departure inevitable? And what will be the Starmer legacy following his two years in office?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell.

Serena Williams has nothing left to prove. She's won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, inspired generations of players and built a legacy that reaches far beyond tennis. But after nearly four years away from the sport, she's returning to Wimbledon.

So, Niall asks why one of the greatest athletes of all time is making a comeback. He is joined by Charlie Eccleshare, senior tennis writer for The Athletic, as they discuss what motivates elite competitors long after they've conquered their sport, and whether Serena Williams can still defy expectations one more time.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk. And if you wanted to watch Niall, check out This is Whyon YouTube.

End the war, get the oil tankers moving, and the world’s economy returns to normal. It sounds easy. It really isn’t.

Donald Trump and the Iranian regime have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the hopes of bringing the four-month conflict to an end.

But the key objective of allowing global shipping to pass freely through the currently Iran controlled Strait of Hormuz is far less straightforward than it may appear.

From the threat of minefields to a change of heart over military action, it could take months – if not longer – for the region to return to normal.

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Sean Bell.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

"Just one of those things." A typically British response to an unprecedented act of belligerence.

When Alan and Jane Kelvey took their yacht out for a sail across the English Channel, the last thing they expected was to be at the centre of a huge diplomatic incident.

But when a Russian-flagged frigate fired warning shots as the couple sailed nearby, it was yet another sign of the breakdown in relations between the Kremlin and the UK.

Was this an indirect response to the impounding of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker by British forces? Why are Moscow’s warships operating so close to the UK coastline in the first place? And is it another example of the Royal Navy's lack of resources?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

It's not just teenagers having tantrums over TikTok, a social media ban for under-16s could have unforeseen consequences for anyone who uses the internet.

The government's decision to crack down on everything from YouTube to AI chatbots was announced on Monday – but remained short on detail.

How will any ban work in practice? Is this all being pushed through to provide a legacy for the prime minister? And will every adult user now have to prove they're over-16, with a potential impact on privacy and civil liberties?

Niall Paterson speaks to the tech journalist and broadcaster Will Guyatt.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

It was Donald Trump’s 80th birthday present to himself – announcing the US had finally agreed a peace plan with Iran. But is it really a done deal, especially when it comes to Iran’s nuclear ambitions?

In fact, is it a deal at all? The two sides are understood to have reached a Memorandum of Understanding, bringing an end to the fighting and a start to 60 days of further negotiations.

But whilst Iran has again reiterated its commitment to not produce a nuclear weapon, the future of the country’s uranium enrichment programme is far more vague.

Will Mr Trump be satisfied his original war aims have succeeded? And what about the role of Israel in any longer-term peace deal for the region?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s International Affairs Correspondent Dom Waghorn.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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LEDs were supposed to be one of the great environmental success stories: a revolutionary technology that uses a fraction of the energy of traditional light bulbs. But have they really saved the world?

In our new podcast Stuff Matters, economics and data editor Ed Conway takes an object, cracks it open and reveals the world shaping forces hidden inside.

Each episode follows a trail of ideas that stretches beyond the object itself, uncovering far reaching economic powers that shape how we live.

Along the way, Ed meets fascinating characters, from brilliant inventors to Latin American revolutionaries. He dives into their personal stories and reveals how they’ve changed the course of industries and economies.

Because when you look closely enough, even the simplest things turn out to matter more than you think.

Follow Stuff Matters to never miss an episode.

He’s the former Marine who served in the special forces, climbs mountains for fun, and now could hold the keys to Downing Street.

Following an astonishing interview on Sky News, Al Carns quit as Armed Forces minister over doubts the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan was going to be fully funded.

It was yet another blow for a prime minister still reeling from the resignation of his defence secretary John Healey earlier on Thursday.

Carns, nick-named ‘Action Man’ because of his military background, has already hinted at his leadership ambitions. Could he now potentially join the likes of Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting in challenging Sir Keir Starmer?

Sky’s Mhari Aurora is joined by political correspondent Amanda Akass to discuss Carn’s career, and how likely a contender he is for the country’s top job.

Have you got a question? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Americans are finally feeling the pinch due to Trump’s war in Iran, with inflation surging to a three-year-high.

There’s no end to hostilities in sight, and with the Strait of Hormuz – which handles a fifth of global oil and gas supplies – still closed, it looks like prices will continue to rise.

With any economic pain the US experiences amplified across the pond, how will the UK cope with yet more financial upheaval?

Plus, what does this all mean for Trump’s presidency ahead of the mid-term elections in November?

Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky News’s business and economics reporter James Sillars.

Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk

The riots which brought mass disorder to the streets of Belfast on Tuesday night weren’t just a reaction to a brutal stabbing in the city the night before.

According to Professor Ian Acheson, they were also an expression of the rage and anger felt by a divided community ignored by politicians and policy makers.

The violence has been rightly condemned after houses were set alight and police cars attacked.

But Professor Acheson – an expert in counter extremism – argues it shouldn’t come as any surprise that tensions over migration and social deprivation have once again boiled over.

Mhari Aurora spoke to the author and journalist.

Swindon. The epicentre of the global drone industry? As unlikely as it might seem, the Wiltshire town could soon be just that.

But instead of taking advantage of the cutting-edge weaponry being developed in the area, the UK is falling behind in the deployment of this potentially decisive technology.

Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have shown just how vital drones are in modern warfare – used as they are to such brutal effect on the front line.

But while the US and Ukraine are buying British, the Ministry of Defence has yet to commit to large-scale investment in our own drone capabilities.

So, why is the UK dragging its feet? And how vulnerable does that leave the country at this time of increased global volatility?

Mhari Aurora speaks to Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes.

Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk

After Israel launched strikes on Iran for the first time since April – against US wishes – are the cracks beginning to show between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu?

The episode is another sign of the growing friction between the US and Israeli leaders, following reports of heated disagreements behind closed doors.

Is Washington’s influence over Israel starting to wane? And as Netanyahu ramps up his military ambitions in the Middle East, who is really calling the shots when it comes to the Iran war?

Jonathan Samuels speaks to Sky’s Middle East Correspondent Adam Parsons in Jerusalem.

Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk

The idea of two princesses living in luxury while the King pays their rent may have seemed normal in days gone by – but surely not in 2026.

Beatrice and Eugenie, the daughters of former prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, have been enjoying that very arrangement despite being non-working royals.

So, who are Beatrice and Eugenie? How have they navigated the scandal over their parents' links to Jeffrey Epstein? And is it right the King still pays their rent?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's royal correspondent Laura Bundock.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

He was already the richest man on the planet. Now Elon Musk's wealth is about to go stratospheric.

The SpaceX founder will become the world's first trillionaire when he launches the company on the US stock market next week.

One trillion seconds amounts to a staggering 31,700 years. One trillion dollars would give Musk almost unimaginable influence.

What are the dangers of him – and other tech giants – amassing so much wealth?

Niall Paterson is on the money with Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Moscow may have hit Ukraine with one of its biggest attacks of the war so far - but is it Russia’s economy that’s starting to crack?

Businesses are closing while bills and taxes are on the rise – as the growing cost of the conflict is felt on the high street and in homes as much as the battlefield.

With his hometown under attack from Ukrainian drones, what does Vladimir Putin fear most - losses on the frontline, unrest over the struggling economy, or the possibility both could combine to threaten his control?

Sky’s Ivor Bennett sends a snapshot from St Petersburg, while Niall Paterson is joined by our military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Is the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak a new low for the police - or an excuse for political point scoring?

Henry was handcuffed as he lay dying after being stabbed, having been falsely accused of racially abusing his Sikh killer, Vickrum Digwa.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claims this is yet another example of 'two-tier policing', where white people are treated differently to ethnic minorities.

Are those allegations justified? Do police forces in England have an institutional problem with race? Or are the facts and statistics being ignored to suit a political agenda?

Niall Paterson is joined by Clifford Stott, professor of policing research at the Open University.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk

A year on from publishing a plan to make the UK's military fit for purpose, the government still hasn't said where the money's coming from.

It now admits the long-delayed defence investment plan is still weeks away from being published.

The prime minister has committed to spend 3.5% of GDP on core defence by 2035 - but is Sir Keir Starmer willing to sanction cuts elsewhere, from welfare or the NHS, to pay for it?

As the US seemingly turns its back on NATO and the threat from Russia increases, is the UK taking defence spending seriously enough?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Sean Bell.

Have you got a question for This Is Why? Email the show: why@sky.uk

A Blue Origin rocket explosion during a test launch at Cape Canaveral in Florida could have huge implications for Jeff Bezos' ambitions in space.

His company had just won a big NASA contract to deliver lunar landers to the moon using his New Glenn rockets which are specifically designed to carry cargo.

The failure will also affect NASA's moon plans, which already included little margin for error.

Sky's science and technology correspondent Mickey Carroll joins Mhari Aurora to discuss what the explosion means for Blue Origin, getting humans back on the moon and the space race.

At least eight teenagers have died after getting into difficulty in open water during the UK’s record-breaking heatwave.

The tragedies have caused the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to warn of the dangers of “cold water shock”, as many try to cool down in the baking heat.

The deaths have also happened days before the official start of summer - so what can be done to keep people safe in the months ahead?

Mhari Aurora discusses water safety with campaigner Beckie Ramsay, whose son drowned in open water in 2011.

Have you got a question for This Is Why? Email the show – why@sky.uk.

The head of the GCHQ intelligence agency has warned that Russia is going after critical infrastructure and democracy in the UK.

Anne Keast-Butler also used the inaugural GCHQ annual lecture at Bletchley Park to say the threat of this "daily hybrid activity" leading to a wider conflict is as "high as I’ve ever seen it".

Her warning comes days after an RAF jet carrying the UK's defence secretary John Healey had its signal jammed near the Russia border.

Why is Moscow allegedly carrying out these hybrid attacks and what is being done to tackle them?

Gareth Barlow discusses how severe the Russia threat is with Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.

Three teenagers who avoided jail over the rape of two girlsin Hampshire will now have their sentences reviewed after a judge initially said he wanted to "avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily". One of the victims described the ruling as being like a "rock straight in my face".

The attorney general, Lord Hermer, has announced that the Court of Appeal will review the sentences. His office had received "multiple" requests for the sentences to be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

Gareth Barlow speaks to Susan Edwards, Professor of Law at Northumbria University and author of 'Sex and Gender in the Legal Process', about how the decision was reached and what will happen next. Also, Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell discusses the government's plan to reform the youth justice system.

Warning: This podcast contains references to rape

Have you got a question for This Is Why? Email the show – why@sky.uk

In all corners of the United Kingdom, parties that back independence are now in charge.

The SNP retained control in Scotland and Plaid Cymru took power in Wales for the first time following the May elections. And, with Sinn Fein becoming the biggest party in Northern Ireland back in 2022, it now means all three devolved legislatures in the UK are led by nationalist parties.

So, what's behind their rise and are there similarities between them?

Niall is joined by Professor Michael Keating, Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Aberdeen and Fellow of the Centre on Constitutional Change at the University of Edinburgh.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Thomas Tuchel is England’s first German-born manager. He has led some of Europe’s biggest clubs, from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich to Chelsea, where he won the Champions League.

But he has rarely stayed long in one place; Tuchel has had fraught relationships with club owners and executives.

Now, as he announces his squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, some of his selection decisions have already sparked controversy. So what do they, and his career so far, reveal about the man carrying England’s hopes on his shoulders?

Our sports correspondent Rob Harris, fresh from interviewing the England manager, speaks to Niall Paterson about Tuchel’s leadership style, his track record under pressure, and whether he can succeed where others have failed.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Britain has sanctioned Moscow’s economy in an attempt to weaken Putin's war machine. But this week, the UK introduced a new exemption allowing diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil to enter Britain via third countries.

So, has Britain quietly relaxed its sanctions on Russia? And more broadly, have Western sanctions actually worked?

Niall is joined by Tom Keatinge, founding director of the Centre for Finance and Security at defence and security thinktank the Royal United Services Institute, to explain what sanctions are designed to do, whether they change government behaviour, and why Russia is still making billions from oil exports despite years of restrictions.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

President Xi Jinping's hopes of putting China at the centre of a new world order have been given a boost by back-to-back visits of two of his fellow world leaders.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump both had the red carpet rolled out but the US president left without securing any major deals, while Putin has signed at least 20 deals and significantly a joint declaration on establishing a multipolar world and a new type of international relations.

Russia has arguably been weakened by its Ukraine war, and with the US viewed by some as less stable under Trump, is China taking advantage to become the leading global power?

To discuss this, Niall is joined from Beijing by Sky News’ Asia Correspondent, Helen-Ann Smith.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Tech titan and X owner Elon Musk has seen his high-profile lawsuit against the boss of OpenAI Sam Altman thrown out of court.

Musk accused his rival of making OpenAI, which created the increasingly popular ChatGPT, a profit-making company after he had donated $38 million to it.

The jury may have ruled against Musk, but the feud between the two tech tycoons is likely to continue – and could define the future of AI for years to come.

Niall is joined by tech journalist Will Guyatt to discuss the case and its repercussions.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

A new strain of Ebola virus has been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation.

More than 300 suspected cases have been identified – with at least 80 deaths reported. The outbreak is mostly confined to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but two cases have already spread to Uganda.

Plus, a number of American citizens have also been exposed to the virus.

Niall speaks to Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir and health correspondent Ashish Joshi about exactly what Ebola is and why the wider world should care about the outbreak.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

The 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

On 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

The 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

Keir 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

Despite 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

The 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

The 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

Millions 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

It'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.

With 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