This Is Why

Join George Monaghan, a commissioning editor at the New Statesman, and Caroline Russell, the Green leader in the London Assembly, as they delve into Zack Polanski's dynamic rise in left populism. Discover how Polanski's unique background and policies like a wealth tax aim to reshape UK politics. They discuss the challenges of party unity and how smaller parties, especially the Greens, are becoming significant alternatives to the traditional political landscape. A fresh perspective on politics aiming to energize and unite.

Lisa Holland, the Communities correspondent at Sky News, interviews Sammy, an Indian immigrant who navigated the UK's immigration system using forged documents. They discuss the family's desperate journey, revealing the harsh realities of survival under fraudulent circumstances. The conversation also probes into the gaps within the Home Office's immigration checks and statistics, highlighting the challenges of legal and illegal migration in the UK following policy changes. This eye-opening dialogue sheds light on the darker side of chasing a dream.

Dr. Susie Davies, a GP and founder of Papaya, discusses the urgent need to address smartphone addiction among youth. She explores the tragic consequences of phone use in schools, emphasizing its impact on mental health. The conversation highlights the push for stronger legal measures, inspired by the heartbreaking story of Brianna Ghey's family. Davies shares insights on how phones can strain family relationships and the importance of promoting responsible technology use to foster healthier environments for adolescents.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Kelso, a business correspondent for Sky News, and Professor Paul de Leeuw, an energy sector veteran, tackle Kemi Badenoch's proposal to reinvigorate North Sea oil and gas drilling. They explore the potential economic benefits against the backdrop of net-zero targets and climate commitments. The conversation delves into the UK's shifting energy policies and the challenges of transitioning to renewable sources while addressing household energy costs. Experts share insights on the industry's reaction and the balance needed between economic growth and sustainability.

Shamaan Freeman-Powell, a Midlands correspondent for Sky News, dives into the heart of Nuneaton, where the asylum seeker crisis has stirred significant community tension. He shares stories from migrants navigating life in multiple occupancy homes, revealing their struggles and fears. The discussion also highlights local sentiments about political leadership amidst rising frustration with traditional parties and media narratives. Freeman-Powell paints a complex picture of empathy and unrest as Nuneaton grapples with rapid demographic changes.

With Parliament back in action in a few days, Sam and Anne look ahead to the packed autumn schedule in Westminster.  In the last episode of the Summer Box Set, both spill the beans on all the latest news and gossip around Westminster, Whitehall and beyond as MPs prepare to come back to the House of Commons.   They’ll mark the important dates in the calendar, break down the fortunes of the key players, and explain which areas could cause trouble for the government.  Normal service resumes on the podcast on Monday, 1st September. 

Is Donald Trump increasingly acting like a dictator as he power grabs and overreaches on independent institutions?Plus - he’s firing people again. Why?Mark Stone reflects on seeing an immigration raid in DC - and what this means for a community with the army on the streets.And, we reflect on the mass shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 other people as they prayed in a church before school.You can also watch all episodes on our YouTube channel.Watch Mark Stone's full piece on the ICE raids on YouTube and on the SkyNews website.

It feels like we're having to pay more and more for the basics every month. New figures released this week showed food inflation has reached an 18-month high of 4.2% - pushed up by household favourites like chocolate, eggs and butter. The energy price cap is also rising, again. So, when will we start to feel a bit better off?   Why is the hangover of the cost of living crisis still lingering? And as the nights draw in, what can be done to survive another cold winter?   On today’s episode, Jonathan Samuels is joined by business correspondent Paul Kelso - who explains why prices remain stubbornly high - and Money blogger Jess Sharp, who offers some advice and tips to struggling households.   Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Emily Hulme  Editor: Mike Bovill  

The total fertility rate for England and Wales - defined as the number of children a woman can expect to have over her lifetime - has fallen to another record low.   It's the third year in a row the rate has fallen, and the biggest decline in fertility is among those aged between 25 and 29, increasing the average age of parents to 31 for mothers and 33.9 for fathers. So, why aren't people in Britain having more babies?  On today’s Sky News Daily, Gareth Barlow is joined by leading demographer Paul Morland to discuss why people in Britain are having fewer children on average, and what could be done to reverse the trend.   Producers: Araminta Parker and Emily Hulme        Editor: Mike Bovill

Reform UK has outlined its plan to tackle the small boats crisis, which would include detaining and deporting all illegal migrants arriving in the UK. Leader Nigel Farage says his party is willing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, repeal the Human Rights Act and disapply the 1951 UN Refugee Convention for five years to remove barriers to deportations. On today's Sky News Daily, Sophy Ridge is joined by Sky's deputy political editor, Sam Coates, to discuss whether Reform's proposals could work. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill