

This Is Why
Sky News
The world’s a pretty confusing place right now – so how do you make sense of it all? This Is Why takes one story every day, explains how we got here and why it matters to you.
Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions.
Available every weekday afternoon.
This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
Sky News’ Niall Paterson speaks to experts and correspondents from around the world, getting simple answers to some complex questions.
Available every weekday afternoon.
This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 22, 2024 • 26min
Commotion and a no confidence motion: What damage has the Commons Gaza row done?
The podcast discusses the lack of confidence in Speaker Hoyle after the Gaza row. It highlights the SNP's discontent, the safety concerns of MPs, and calls for parliamentary reform. Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood shares his ordeal with anti-Israel protesters. The podcast explores the chaos in Parliament, potential bipartisan agreement, and uncertainty about Speaker Hoyle's future.

Feb 21, 2024 • 24min
The Post Office scandal - more trouble on the Horizon?
The podcast explores the scandal at the Post Office, with claims of government involvement in delaying compensation payments to sub-postmasters. The chair's resignation and accusations of cover-ups are discussed, leading to upcoming hearings to uncover the truth. Key figures aim to reveal injustice and hold the government accountable, highlighting the ongoing delays and pressure for fair compensation.

Feb 20, 2024 • 18min
Hacking the hackers: How cyber gang Lockbit was 'locked out'
Science and technology editor Tom Clarke discusses the takedown of cyber gang Lockbit by law enforcement agencies. They cover the ransomware attacks on UK bodies like the Royal Mail and the NHS, arrests of Russians, and the implications for other cyber gangs.

Feb 19, 2024 • 18min
Did Russian opposition die with Alexei Navalny?
Hundreds of Russians have been detained at memorials to opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Navalny's mother and lawyers have been denied access to his body and authorities have not confirmed its exact whereabouts. Host Adam Parsons is joined by Sky News' Moscow correspondent, Diana Magnay, who has followed Navalny's journey for much of the past decade. She describes what’s happening in Russia, Navalny's legacy and the mood as people continue to pay their respects at makeshift memorials across the country. Adam also hears from Ekaterina Schulmann, a Russian political scientist in exile who has been marked as a foreign agent by Putin's government. Plus, Dr Maxim Alyukov, a political sociologist at King's College London, talks about the upcoming Russian election.Podcast Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Alex Edden Assistant Producer: Evan Dale Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Philly Beaumont

Feb 16, 2024 • 20min
Russian opponent Alexei Navalny dies... and analysing Labour's double by-election win
Alexei Navalny, the most prominent critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has died in jail. Barred in 2018 from running in elections, he remained Mr Putin's most powerful political opponent. He survived a novichok poisoning, after being treated in Germany. But still he chose to return to Russia knowing he would be arrested. He was just 47 when he died while serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism in a prison near the Arctic circle. Today on Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks with our Moscow correspondent Diana Magnay about Mr Navalny's life and how his death will have an impact on his supporters in Russia. We'll also unpack Labour's win in two by-elections overnight with our political correspondent Rob Powell who is in Wellingborough, and what the results could mean for the next general election.Producers: Soila Apparicio, Sydney Pead Assistant Producer: Evan Dale Editor: Wendy Parker

Feb 15, 2024 • 21min
Technically it’s a recession, but what’s actually changed? With Ed Conway
Sky News’ economics and data editor Ed Conway looks at the implications of Britain entering recession on this episode. Although the two quarters of negative growth is a fairly arbitrary definition and could be revised, Ed tells host Greg Milam why the GDP per head figures is the one which could tell us more. They also discuss the political implications for Rishi Sunak who’d made growing the economy one of his big five pledges. Plus, Manchester restaurant owner Karina Jadhav on what recession means for her business. Producer: Alex Edden Assistant producers: Evan Dale, Iona Brunker Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotions producer: Jonathan Day Editor: Paul Stanworth

Feb 14, 2024 • 23min
Can Starmer ever really deliver on his antisemitism promise?
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces a new row about antisemitism within the party, embarrassing for someone who made tackling antisemitism a priority. The podcast explores the recent suspensions, Labour's actions on antisemitism, the need for education and decisive action, the connection between criticism of Israel and antisemitism, and the pressing need for stricter measures within the party.

Feb 13, 2024 • 20min
Has Starmer been ‘decisive’ over Rochdale.. and the battle for The Body Shop
Labour's crisis in the Rochdale by-election and its impact on Keir Starmer's leadership. Discussion on The Body Shop's administration and reminiscing about its iconic products. The exciting 1980s atmosphere and inspiring story of Anita Roddick. The evolution of The Body Shop and the importance of consistency for customers.

Feb 12, 2024 • 21min
Israel-Hamas war: Will Netanyahu pause the offensive on Rafah?
Israel-Hamas war: Israel's offensive in Rafah, significance of Rafah in the conflict, ongoing hostilities and efforts to secure hostages, strained relations between US and Israel, need for a credible evacuation plan in Rafah.

Feb 10, 2024 • 18min
WEEKEND DAILY: Work until you're 71? What's the alternative?
This podcast discusses the possibility of the state retirement age rising to 71 by 2040, the challenges and inequalities associated with increasing retirement age, the importance of adapting to longer life expectancy, the adjustments made by employers to accommodate older workers, and the concept of flexible working and redefining retirement.


