This Is Why

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

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

Three teenagers who avoided jail over the rape of two girls in 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 rapeHave you got a question for This Is Why? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

Andy Burnham isn’t even an MP but appears to already be campaigning to be the next prime minister - and if a latest opinion poll is anything to go by his confidence is justified.Meanwhile, Donald Trump says he has he instructed his administration to call off strikes on Iran that were scheduled for today.However, he warned he could unleash a “full, large scale assault” on the country at a “moment’s notice.”It comes as the World Health Organisation has declared the deadly outbreak of Ebola in Africa an international health emergency - but the UK is said to be facing a “low risk”.There’s been a shocking development in relation to one of the country’s most popular reality TV shows - with Channel 4 saying "very serious allegations of wrongdoing" have been made against a small number of past Married At First Sight UK contestants.Finally, Arsenal’s 1 - 0 victory over Burnley last night has brought them one step closer to a first Premier League title in more than 20 years.A title triumph for Arsenal would also end Pep Guardiola’s hopes of lifting a seventh Premier League trophy - as reports suggest the Sky Blues are preparing for his departure.Sophy and Wilf have the day's news in just 10 minutes.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

As The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in cinemas, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour is back in the news – but who is she?The sequel to the 2006 film is widely perceived to be based on Ms Wintour's formidable and abrasive management style.However, the world of fashion and the magazines that follow it has changed a lot since then.So, has she maintained her grip and influence on the multibillion-dollar industry?Niall is joined by Paula Froelich, senior story producer and on-air contributor for NewsNation, to discuss her life and career.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

The war in Iran has led to fears of food shortages and fuelled forecourt price hikes – but is your summer holiday also in jeopardy?The price of jet fuel has soared higher than any other oil product, including petrol, since the Middle East conflict led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.It means major airlines – including Qatar, Etihad and Lufthansa – have started cancelling flights. So how worried should you be about your summer holiday abroad?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

The party drug ecstasy is usually associated with packed nightclubs and panicked politicians talking about the dangers involved in taking it.However, a former head of the UK’s armed forces believes the drug’s active ingredient, known as MDMA, could be key to treating veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.General Sir Nick Carter is now calling on the government to relax restrictions in order to reduce the crippling cost of clinical trials. What evidence is there to suggest this treatment could be effective and what’s been the reaction from the few former soldiers who have benefitted so far?Niall is joined by Sky’s science correspondent Thomas Moore.Warning: Contains references to drug taking, depression and suicide.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

Iranian intelligence services are suspected of actively recruiting in the UK, using AI and social networks to entice potential sign-ups.Sky News has uncovered evidence of how apparent Iranian networks are using the chat platform Telegram to target recruits.It follows an increase in attacks on Jewish communities across the UK – with authorities suggesting that some perpetrators may have been taking orders from Tehran.But why might petty crooks or youngsters be tempted to become involved? How worried should we be about their activities? And what level of threat does Iran pose here in the UK?Niall is joined by Sky New’s Home Editor Jason Farrell, whose producer infiltrated a suspected Iranian intelligence account.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

Why keeping the King safe is Trump's top priorityKing Charles's trip to the USA is still going ahead, despite a gunman attempting to storm a dinner attended by President Trump on Saturday night.It's the first state visit to the country by a British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. Charles is also due to emulate his mother by addressing Congress.Officials from both sides of the Atlantic are working closely on security arrangements. But has the tour been compromised by the assassination attempt? And what does it take to protect a head of state?Niall speaks to Dai Davies, a former head of Scotland Yard's Royal Protection Command.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

Donald Trump is preparing to roll out the red carpet for the King’s all-American state visit next week – despite the fact the US president has been highly critical of the UK over its refusal to join the war in Iran.Trump’s public rebukes for Sir Keir Starmer, Britain’s armed forces and even Prince Harry have put the so-called special relationship under greater strain than ever. So, can the King use all his diplomatic and “soft power” skills to save it?Niall is joined by royal commentator Robert Jobson.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

Prince Harry has warned the world not to grow “numb” to Russia’s war in Ukraine during a surprise visit to Kyiv.The former British army captain also called on the “American leadership” to honour its international obligations, a thinly-veiled swipe at Donald Trump.The fighting rages on in Ukraine, while much of the world’s attention is focused on the war on Iran.The US has been a key backer of Kyiv but is now distracted by a conflict of its own. So, what is going on in Ukraine and what are the UK and Europe doing to help?Niall is joined by Sky’s military analyst Sean Bell.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

AI giant Anthropic has chosen not to release its latest model, Mythos Preview, to the public. The product was pulled after testing showed its unprecedented strengths in hacking.Instead, Mythos has been made available to a small number of big tech companies including Amazon and Microsoft to help protect their software, rather than pick it apart.So, has the day arrived which many have feared – where AI could change the world as we know it? Or are the scare stories around Mythos merely a myth?Niall is joined by Rowland Manthorpe, technology correspondent at Sky News, to discuss the potential dangers as well as how safe the UK is from the threat of AI.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2026

Sir Keir Starmer's relationship with the civil service has broken down following the sacking of Sir Olly Robbins.The former top civil servant at the Foreign Office told parliament there was a "dismissive approach" to security vetting from No 10, but the prime minister maintains it was Robbins who made "an error of judgement".So, what's at stake when the inner workings of government grind to a halt?Lord Peter Ricketts, who is also a former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, joins Niall to discuss what happens when things go wrong and whether Starmer can repair relations with the civil servants who deliver his mandate, before it's too late.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

First it was Venezuela, then Iran. Is Cuba next on Donald Trump's hit list?The US navy has been anchored off the Caribbean coast since the start of the year, preventing supplies of oil and food from the outside world.As a consequence, the island has been brought to its knees - with electrical blackouts, food rationing and fears for the future.Sky News chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay joins Niall to discuss life under the blockade in Havana and what fate awaits the nation, as President Trump threatens military intervention.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

Top civil servant Olly Robbins has been sacked after his department did not inform the prime minister that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting for the role of US ambassador.Opposition parties are calling on the prime minister to resign but Sir Keir Starmer is insisting he wasn’t told, in an "unforgivable" omission.He's due to speak to MPs in parliament on Monday, and address the accusations he misled them over the process of Mandelson’s appointment.But who is Olly Robbins, the man who has lost his job over the latest Mandelson revelation and is he being used as a fall guy? And how toxic will the row be for Sir Keir?Niall talks to hosts of fellow Sky podcast Politics at Sam and Anne’s, Anne McElvoy, executive editor at Politico and Sky’s deputy political editor, Sam Coates.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

A multi-billion-dollar Saudi-backed golf tour is reportedly close to collapse – so could this spell an end to the Gulf state’s interest in sport?The controversial LIV Golf Tour is just one strand of the Saudis’ sporting portfolio.Footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays there, while the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) also owns English Premier League team, Newcastle United.But the PIF - which has plunged $5b into the LIV project - has a new five-year economic strategy that includes no mention of sport. Having been accused of using sport as a political tool to legitimise the Saudi regime, what led to this apparent change of strategy?Sky News’ sports correspondent Rob Harris joins Niall to discuss what it means for the future of Saudi sport.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2026

Another night, another post on Truth Social from Donald Trump criticising NATO. As other leaders try to persuade him to stay in the alliance, plans are being prepared in case the US goes through with its threat to walk away.At the same time, the UK government is in a muddle on defence spending – with criticism from current and former military chiefs - but no decisions yet on how and when to boost budgets.Niall and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke debrief on what a post-Trump NATO might look like.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

A decade on, you might have thought Brexit was done and dusted – but our relationship with the European Union is still in flux.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is proposing a reset that could result in the UK signing up to EU rules without the need for a normal parliamentary vote, under what are known as Henry VIII powers.But in pushing for closer ties with the continent, is he risking a return to rule-taking without any say in what those rules are? And what might this new relationship with Brussels look like?Niall speaks to Professor Anand Menon, director at UK in a Changing Europe, about the significance of this moment in UK-EU relations.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

After 16 years in power, Hungary's Viktor Orban has been defeated by Peter Magyar, whose Tisza party has won a huge parliamentary majority.Magyar campaigned to break the country away from Russia's grip and re-establish closer ties to the European Union, in a setback for both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. But is this a genuine turning point and a strategic win for Ukraine's war efforts?Niall speaks to our Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett in Budapest to find out how significant the change of regime could be across the continent.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

Donald Trump's war in Iran has been polling badly among many of the groups that voted for him in 2024, and that matters as crucial midterm elections are just over six months away.These elections take place two years into the presidential cycle, with voters able to choose who runs Congress. Currently, the Republicans control both the Senate and the House of Representatives, giving the president freedom to enact his agenda.So how exactly do the midterms work and how much would change for Donald Trump if his Republican party has a bad night?Niall is joined by US correspondent and co-host of the Trump100 podcast, James Matthews.For more on politics in the US, listen to Trump100 on your podcast app: https://podfollow.com/trump100/view

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

Kanye West is one of the 21st Century’s most talented musicians, but his controversial remarks are just as famous as his music – and his antisemitic comments have now got him banned from the UK.Wireless festival, which he was due to headline in London this summer, has been cancelled as a result.Since he burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s, Ye, as he is now known, has been breaking the mould – both as an artist and with his controversial opinions.This includes releasing a song called Heil Hitler, selling swastika T-shirts, saying slavery was a choice and supporting Diddy during his sex trafficking trial.Gareth Barlow speaks to music and culture journalist Nicolas Tyrell-Scott about why Ye remains popular, how much the music industry is responsible and will anything now change?Ye denies allegations of sexual assault.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2026

Donald Trump has claimed a ‘complete victory’ in his war in Iran during a phone call to Sky News just hours after the two sides agreed a temporary ceasefire. But Iran is also declaring a win as it handed over a 10-point plan which includes maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz and full US military withdrawal from the Middle East. So will the ceasefire last? Is that the end of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz? And what about Israel’s role? Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky News’ defence and security analyst Michael Clarke about who is really winning and what happens next.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

The Artemis II crew are on their way back to Earth after a record-breaking mission to the far side of the moon. They reached a distance of 252,756 miles from our home planet - the furthest in history.The ultimate aim of NASA's Artemis programme is to get crewed missions to Mars.So what did US space experts learn from this mission and how will it help the next stage of the programme, which could see a rocket landing on the moon and ultimately a base being built on the lunar south pole?Gareth Barlow speaks to space journalist Kate Arkless Gray about how successful the project was and what happens next.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

Matt Brittin, a former Google boss and ex-Olympic rower, will become the new director-general of the BBC in May.He wouldn't have expected a quiet life in the highly-scrutinised role. After all, the broadcaster is facing a multibillion-dollar lawsuit from Donald Trump.But the aftermath of the sacking of Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills will be one of the first big issues Mr Brittin will have to deal with, on top of the US president's lawsuit and the BBC's charter renewal.Niall is joined by Deadline's media correspondent Jake Kanter to discuss what the new BBC boss brings to the role, and how he can shape the corporation’s future.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2026

Donald Trump has kept the world guessing over whether he will launch a ground invasion in Iran.However, the arrival of thousands of US paratroopers in the region might be the clearest indication yet of the disrupter-in-chief’s thinking.A month of airstrikes is one thing but the deployment of troops is quite another - so how would it work? Has Trump learned nothing from Iraq and Afghanistan?Niall is joined by the former head of the UK armed forces General Sir Nick Carter.Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

"Go get your own oil!" Donald Trump has served notice on his allies, telling them the US won't necessarily help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.And oil is important... for everything. The global economy needs 100 million barrels a day to function. The war in Iran means we're only producing 80 million.Those missing barrels are having a huge impact on diesel and petrol prices – but that's just the start. Inflation, interest rates, food and utility bills are all set to rise.What, if anything, can the UK government do to avoid the inevitable economic earthquake?Niall asks Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway why he's so worried about the financial effects of the crisis in the Middle East.Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

The cost of your weekly shop is about to go up – as the war in Iran squeezes the supply of synthetic fertiliser.The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz had already caused a spike in energy prices - and is now expected to hit kitchen cupboards in time for summer.It also presents a fresh challenge for a farming industry growing used to having to dig deep for profits. So, what foods will be impacted and what can be done to bring prices back down?Niall is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2026

Artemis II is NASA's next big mission to the moon – the first in over 50 years. It's part of the space agency's long-term plans to build a space station called Lunar Gateway, where astronauts will be able to live and work.It is also America's best effort to beat the likes of China in the space race to return to the moon.Niall speaks to Tom Clarke, our science and technology editor, and Thomas Moore, our science and medical correspondent about what NASA hopes to achieve with the lunar flyby.Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026

The market in counterfeit goods – fake handbags, knock-off trainers or not-quite-designer clothes – is now worth more than double the illegal drug trade in the UK. So, it’s easy to see why organised criminal gangs are concentrating on selling fake fashion, both on the high street and online. And they’re being helped by an army of influencers – who, knowingly or otherwise, are encouraging their followers to buy illicit goods. Niall speaks to Katerina Vittozzi – Sky’s North of England Correspondent who led an investigation into fake fashion – and Sarah Woodcock, Chief Executive Officer of The Anti-Slavery Collective. Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2026