This Is Why

In October 1998, Karl Bushby left his mum’s house in Humberside to fly to the southern tip of South America. The journey home would take him the best part of three decades to complete.

Karl travelled up through the Americas, across the Bering Strait into Russia, crossed the Caspian Sea and trekked the length of Europe before finally swimming the Channel and completing a 31,000-mile ‘modern odyssey’.

But there were two rules: no motorised transport – meaning he had to walk or swim the entire distance – and no changing the route. Living by those rules would end up costing Karl more than he could ever have imagined.

Niall Paterson speaks to the Daily Telegraph journalist Ed Cumming, who joined Karl on the final leg of his epic adventure.

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

The King is in the Caribbean, and, so far, he's faced hardly any protests from people campaigning for reparations for transatlantic slavery.

But the leaders of the countries he's visiting have been speaking out. The prime minister of the Bahamas told Sky News that reparation is not just about money, but acknowledging what slavery did.

There will be more calls for reparations at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua, which the King is attending as head of the organisation.

But as Prince William currently shows little inclination to follow his father in becoming head of the Commonwealth, will it be harder in future to put pressure on Britain?

Niall is joined by Robert Jobson, author of The Windsor Legacy, and Sir Patrick Vernon, UK representative of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham joked on TikTok that demand from people trying to find out their council tax band crashed the government website. They wanted to know because Chancellor John Healey announced in his budget that households in England in bands A to D will receive a £100 cash payment to help with energy bills. Wales and Scotland said they planned to replicate the measure.

Those bands were based on a property's value in 1991 as the council tax replaced the controversial poll tax. More than 30 years on, despite calls to update property values in the bands, no government has chosen to do it.

Niall talks to Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso about why it's never been tackled and whether this is the best way to help people with their bills.

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

The World and This Is Why join forces for a special episode on Israel's election - a contest that could have significant consequences for the Middle East and the wider world.

Niall Paterson is joined live from Israel by Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel, asking why pollsters seem to have got it so wrong, why this might be the world's first AI election, and why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after 19 years, looks like he might continue to be the most powerful man in the country.

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

You can email questions to Richard and Yalda at theworld@sky.uk

You can watch our podcasts on the Sky News app and on our YouTube channel here.

Aged eight, Harry Kane risked being written off when he was released by Arsenal. But Kane persisted, and he was taken on by Tottenham Hotspur's academy. He went on to become the club's all-time top scorer, but his goals didn't result in any trophies for Spurs.

His move to Bayern Munich changed that, with the striker having won the Bundesliga twice since moving to Germany. Also, under his captaincy, England achieved their best result at a World Cup since 1966 this summer.

Niall talks to Rob Harris, Sky's sports correspondent, about how Kane, aged 33, became the first English player to win football's top individual prize in 25 years.

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

People are surviving on plants, have no power and hardly any water in Oleshky, a Ukrainian city occupied by Russia since the first days of the 2022 full-scale invasion.

Ukraine says Russia is using its inhabitants as a human shield to stop Kyiv launching an attack to regain the strategic city.

On Tuesday, a ceasefire organised by Melania Trump and the Pope is due to come into effect, which it's hoped will lead to the evacuation of the remaining residents, most of whom are elderly.

Niall speaks to Sky's chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay who has just been to an area near Oleshky and spoke to people there about how they are surviving.

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

There's been a rush to buy Sally Rooney's books after she said she can no longer sell them in the UK.

Rooney, known for best-selling novels Normal People and Conversations with Friends, said the decision was made with her publisher over her support for the banned group Palestine Action

A month after the group was proscribed by the UK government as a terrorist organisation, Rooney said she would donate the earnings from her UK work to them.

The Irish author, seen as one of the most important writers of her generation, has been backed by hundreds of writers and public figures who have signed an open letter to the government.

Mhari Aurora speaks to Helen Brown, who writes about culture for the Telegraph, about what is behind Rooney's decision.

PHP. The three little letters few people realised were so vital for most of the websites in the world.

But a vulnerability in a piece of programming virtually all of us had never heard of has affected everyone from small businesses to major governments.

Millions of cyberattacks have followed in the wake of the problem being made public. But the fact is, your personal information – from email addresses to bank details – was already at risk.

AI is increasingly both poacher and gamekeeper – discovering the vulnerability in the first place but also playing a vital role in cybersecurity. So, is it time to rethink our online lives?

Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky’s technology correspondent Rowland Manthorpe.

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

Winter is coming. So, a decision to finally allow drilling at the controversial Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea should be welcome.

Well, not by environmental campaigners – who've accused the government of backtracking on its net zero commitments.

And even supporters of North Sea expansion have admitted opening Jackdaw won’t reduce energy bills, even though it could start helping to supply homes within months.

Why, then, has Andy Burnham invested so much political capital in giving the go-ahead?

Gareth Barlow is joined by Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke and business correspondent Paul Kelso.

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

Europe’s leaders are joining the fight for the Far North – but is it already too late?

The European Union has announced a new security strategy for the Arctic. Yet Russia and China already appear to have a huge advantage in the region.

Moscow is exploring new trade routes through its shadow fleet, and – with Beijing’s help – the race is on to exploit the Arctic’s reserves of rare earth minerals.

Will the UK, US and Canada join Europe’s belated response? Or, as the ice melts, is too late to stop a new cold war from heating up?

Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky’s military analyst, Robert Clark.

There is more exclusive military analysis and content on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.

Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.

Download and subscribe here.

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

Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Violent clashes, burning buildings, widespread looting and thousands of arrests. Even for France, the scale of the current protests across the country is extreme.

What started off as student demonstrations, highlighting issues like a lack of staff and equipment in schools, has grown into a much bigger movement – which the government admits it’s struggling to contain.

But France isn’t the only country where the young are protesting. Students in Albania, Italy, Spain and Portugal have also clashed with authorities.

So, what’s caused such a huge disconnect between the state and young people across the continent?

Gareth Barlow speaks to French journalist Catherine Guilyardi, who lives in Paris and witnessed the violence over the weekend.

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

Surely, the first rule of being a press secretary is never to be the story. But it took Donald Trump's newest spokesperson just 14 minutes to put herself very much front and centre.

That was how long Katie Zacharia's first - and only - White House briefing lasted. Now, the president has asked her to consider her position less than a week into the job, leaving her little choice but to stand down.

Plucked from a role as a TV talking head, Zacharia had been trusted to replace Karoline Leavitt as the president’s press secretary – responsible for relaying the MAGA message to the media.

But she was quickly embroiled in controversy – not least for appearing to overstate her credentials as a fully qualified lawyer.

Recorded before her departure, Niall Paterson is joined by the chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, Greg Swenson.

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

Remember when Brexit meant Brexit? Well, a decade on from the referendum to leave the European Union, Andy Burnham thinks now is the right time to reopen the debate.

The new prime minister is calling for a fresh look at our relationship with EU ahead of a summit in November. Is this just an attempt to boost economic growth with a better trade deal or is there more to it?

What does Burnham really want? And would the public swallow the prospect of a 'rejoin' referendum?

Niall Paterson is joined by the director of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank, Anand Menon.

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

Donald Trump decided to mark the death of a man mauled by a tiger in a Yorkshire zoo by posting an AI-generated video of himself wrestling with a tiger.

The killing of 23-year-old William Chapman has offered a stark reminder of just how dangerous zoo animals can be when things go wrong.

So, has the social media obsession with animal videos desensitised us to the threat from wildlife?

It has also renewed the debate over whether we should be keeping animals like that in captivity in the first place. Just how safe are the UK’s zoos and why do we even have them?

Niall Paterson is joined by Amy Dickman, professor of Wildlife Conservation at Oxford University.

Donald Trump just loves a long-running feud, and in recent days he’s returned to an old favourite.

America’s mudslinger-in-chief is calling for Ukraine’s wartime president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be replaced – after he criticised the US diesel deal with Russia.

But as Vladimir Putin’s war rages on, elections are perhaps the last thing on the minds of Ukrainians. So, how do people in the war-torn country really feel about Zelenskyy? And what is the reality of everyday life following more than four years of conflict?

Niall Paterson speaks to Ukrainian independent journalist Dinara Khalilova about the ongoing trauma being inflicted on the country’s people.

In today’s episode of This Is Why, we’re introducing our new podcast – Russell Brand: On Trial

Listen to Russell Brand: On Trial on your podcast app

What happened on Russell Brand’s first day in court as the trial process got underway? Sky News’ Martin Brunt and Katie Spencer take us through the day- inside and outside the court. It starts with queues of journalists arriving early to get a seat on the press benches of court 3 at Southwark Crown Court.

Outside photographers gather to get images of Russell Brand as he walks in with his wife. No broadcast cameras or recording are allowed inside so Katie Spencer - arts and entertainment correspondent for Sky and crime commentator Martin Brunt - are your eyes and ears in court.

The first development: selecting the jury, the people who will decide if Russell Brand is guilty, or not guilty.

He faces three counts of rape, three of sexual assault and one of indecent assault. He denies all charges and the trial continues.

Follow the feed to get every episode.

Email us with your thoughts

skynewspodcasts@sky.uk

A notorious killer convicted of murder more than 30 years ago has finally faced the death penalty – execution by lethal injection. Except Christa Pike didn’t die.

Investigative journalist John North was one of the few people allowed inside a maximum-security facility in Nashville, Tennessee, to witness Pike’s death. What happened next was one of the most extraordinary moments in America’s troubled history with the death penalty.

Speaking to Niall Paterson, John describes in detail how the execution went wrong, why Christa Pike’s violent murder of Colleen Slemmer still resonates three decades later, and the heartbreaking response of her victim’s family.

And as the country prepares for its first public execution in almost a century – with plans to livestream former US Army major Nidal Hasan’s death by firing squad – Niall and John discuss why state-sponsored killing remains such a divisive topic in American society.

Warning: This episode contains graphic details of Christa Pike’s original crime and attempted execution, which some listeners may find distressing.

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

Taking a hot shower, heating your home, cooking dinner – all things we take for granted. All at risk.

Britain’s gas storage levels are at a decade-low, while the UK’s largest storage facility faces closure as its stockpiles near empty.

Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine continue to constrain supplies and push up prices. And what if Donald Trump goes through with his threat to put "America first" and stop the flow of fuel abroad?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway, who was given exclusive access to a previously unseen emergency planning exercise – revealing what would happen if the country runs out of gas.

You can watch Ed’s full investigation here.

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

Imagine being tear-gassed and targeted with stun grenades – all for complaining about timetables, absent teachers and crumbling classrooms.

That’s the experience of thousands of French students, whose initial demonstrations over high school conditions have evolved into a wider national protest across 40 towns and cities.

Parents, teachers and a sympathetic public have all joined pupils on the barricades. But far-right groups have accused those on the left of politicising the movement.

And while the use of stun grenades has now been suspended in France, the response from the police and government has been heavy-handed and heavily criticised – just months before a general election.

Niall Paterson is joined by NBC News chief foreign correspondent and co-host of The World podcast, Richard Engel – and Ruby Celemenski, a 17-year-old student in Lyon who has witnessed the police response first-hand.

In the 14th Century, the Black Death wiped out up to half the population of Europe. So, no wonder world leaders, including Donald Trump, are keeping a careful watch on a plague scare in Eastern Russia.

One laboratory worker from a plague research facility in Siberia has died, with fears they may have been exposed to pneumonic plague – the most virulent and dangerous form of the disease. A further 200 people were placed in quarantine.

With the Covid pandemic still fresh in people’s minds, what is pneumonic plague and how worried should we be about a potential outbreak?

Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore.

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

Green party members have backed a motion that “Zionism is racism” at their party conference.

It has exposed deep divisions within the party’s membership - with many long-time members saying they are considering leaving - and within the leadership. Four of the party's five MPs opposed it, and leader Zack Polanski put forward amendments to the motion that were later rejected.

Israel has responded by banning Polanski, who is himself Jewish, from entering the country.

Niall Paterson spoke to the chair of Jewish Greens and long-time party member Vivien Lichtenstein, who has marched against the Gaza war but is now weighing up leaving. He was also joined by Sky News political correspondent Alexandra Rogers, who was at the Green Party conference this weekend.

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

The sister-in-law of the 82-year-old explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes travelled from her home abroad to check into a care home where his friends believed he was staying. She managed to meet him and told Sky News how delighted he was to see her.

It was a rare visit as his friends and family continue to raise concerns that they are being blocked from seeing him. Cheshire Police though have said "no immediate safeguarding concerns have been identified at this time".

Niall Paterson spoke to Arabella Pepper, who is the sister of Sir Ranulph's first wife, about that visit last year. He also spoke to friend and fellow explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams about Sir Ranulph's achievements.

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

Guilty. The damning verdict in favour of the Premier League against one of its most successful clubs – Manchester City.

The case concerned more than a hundred charges – from disguised funding to misleading accounts – with possible consequences ranging from points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League.

But rather than backing down, the club has come out fighting – insisting an independent commission got it wrong and vowing to appeal.

With City standing firm and the punishment still undecided, there could be a long way to go before the final whistle.

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s sports correspondent Rob Harris, who has been following the case and putting questions to the club’s most senior figures for more than a decade.

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

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than two decades ago, the US has had a near-continuous military presence in Iraq... until now.

The last troops have been withdrawn, ending a process started by Joe Biden and endorsed by Donald Trump. But the timing of the departure has been questioned - with the US still at war with Iran.

According to Iraqi security experts, the withdrawal could give Tehran and its proxies free rein, while also risking a comeback from the Islamic State terror group.

So, why have Americans decided to leave Iraq now? And what will it mean for the future of the country - and stability of the wider region?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Robert Clark, who served in the British military in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There is more exclusive analysis and content on the conflict in the Middle East on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.

Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.

Download and subscribe here.

Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.

It’s long been seen as politically untouchable – but Andy Burnham has finally fired the starting gun on reforms to the state pension triple lock.

First brought in by David Cameron’s coalition government, the measure of increasing pension payments by the higher of inflation, average wage rises or 2.5% a year was introduced to offset years of underfunding.

But the new prime minister has used his first party conference speech as Labour leader to put the triple lock on the negotiating table – against the wishes of the unions, opposition parties and plenty of his own supporters.

So, how does the triple lock work and what could take its place? What is the cost to the country and is reforming the system as straightforward as it appears?

Niall Paterson is joined by Claire Moffat, a pension and tax expert at Royal London.

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

Who are you more likely to believe, Donald Trump or a farmer from the Cotswolds?

Five UK nationals have been arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared at an RAF airbase in Gloucestershire over the weekend.

But they were later released on bail, as counter-terror police remain “open-minded” about whether the incident is linked to a foreign state such as Iran.

So, why did the US president claim the group had been “under investigation” for a long time – while a local resident insists she was the one who alerted the police after spotting a group of masked men?

What do we know about this investigation? And what does it tell us about how the UK is being targeted by proxies?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s home affairs editor Jason Farrell.

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

Ed Sheeran is used to thousands of people singing his songs back at him. But last week, he found himself addressing his audience in a very different way.

After Macklemore left Sheeran’s tour following his comments about the war in Gaza, other performers on the bill also pulled out. Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia. Looking visibly upset, he addressed the crowd and apologised.

But for a singer who has built his career on being the ‘nice guy’, can Ed Sheeran come back from this? Or has this controversy permanently damaged the image he’s spent years building?

Niall Paterson is joined by musician and journalist John Robb.

John’s memoir Punk Rock Ruined My Life is available to buy now.

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

Recollection may vary, but the facts do not.

That’s something that was lost on Princess Diana’s brother in his new book about his sister’s life - which managed to squeeze in a mistake about Piers Morgan amongst its bombshell claims about the King.

The former Daily Mirror editor is now suing Earl Spencer and calling for the book to be pulped. So, what checks take place when a memoir is written? And why does the format allow people to publish unproven claims?

Niall is joined by the journalist Helen Brown, who writes about culture for The Telegraph.

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

There’s nothing like the warning of an AI apocalypse to ease you out of summer - but as they say, every cloud has a silver lining.

Of course, we can’t rule out artificial intelligence one day doing the unthinkable, as many experts have politely warned, but there are also reasons to believe it could actually save the human race.

From breakthroughs in healthcare to helping tackle climate change, this episode explores how small steps for AI could bring about giant leaps for mankind.

Niall Paterson reveals the reasons to be cheerful with Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke.

For a different view on the dangers of AI, you can watch our episode with Rowland Manthorpe here.

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

It's been a busy week already for Andy Burnham - who approved his first military intervention as prime minister just hours before his inaugural meeting with Donald Trump.

The RAF will now provide Saudi Arabia with "purely defensive" air support against attacks from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, after Burnham agreed to Riyadh’s request.

The Saudis had earlier been turned down by Trump – so why is the new PM so happy to help? And is it really due to cost-of-living pressures as he claims?

Niall Paterson is joined by Dr H A Hellyer, an expert in geopolitics across the Middle East and Europe and a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence.

There is more exclusive content on the situation in the Middle East on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.

Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.

Download and subscribe here.

Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.

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

The new Sky Original TV series The Wargame imagines a terrifying situation – and not just because Michael Gove is prime minister.

Vladimir Putin and Russia haven’t yet launched a military attack on UK soil, but the threat is rising.

That’s why the show picks a fantasy crisis team of real-life former ministers and ex-military chiefs to see how they might respond to such a potential attack.

So, what does The Wargame tell us about the UK’s readiness for all-out Russian aggression?

Niall Paterson is joined by the former Labour adviser Baroness Hazarika, who plays the government’s director of communications in the programme.

The Wargame, available on Sky and Now, is based on the hugely successful Sky News podcast of the same name. You can find the podcast series here.

Lots of people have fallen out with their brother-in-law over the years - but it’s perhaps never been as explosive as the row between the King and Earl Spencer.

In the latest royal drama involving the House of Windsor, the Palace has hit back at claims made by Princess Diana’s younger brother in a new book about his sister.

Among them is that the King was “giddily elated” after Diana’s death. So, what else is in Earl Spencer’s memoir and why is he making these bombshell allegations now?

Niall is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock.

Since recording this episode, Earl Spencer has told the BBC that he is 'telling the truth' about a phone conversation he had with the King after Diana's death.

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

Audio credit: BBC

This episode contains reference to suicide. 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.

Earlier this week, Niall interviewed Britain's most senior military official about why he believes this is the most dangerous moment for the UK in his 35-year career. Scroll back on your feed to find the episode.

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.

Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.

Download and subscribe here.

Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.

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