

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

Oct 23, 2023 • 18min
What the law says about protesters chanting "jihad"
Controversy surrounds chants of 'jihad' at pro-Palestinian rally in London. Questions arise about hate crime laws. Discussion on the extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir and why it has not been banned in the UK. Challenges faced by police officers during protests. Implications of non-violent Islamist activism. History, associations, and challenges in banning the group Hisb ut-Tahrir. Examination of organization's growth, impact, and stance towards Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Oct 20, 2023 • 21min
Labour's by-election wins | Biden's case for Israel-Ukraine funding
Labour's hopes ahead of the next general election have been bolstered after historic wins in the Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire by-elections.The double victory saw huge Conservative majorities overturned, with more than a 20 percent swing away from the Tories in both constituencies. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has used a rare Oval Office address to urge Americans to remember the country's role as "a beacon to the world" as he seeks Congress support for a $100bn aid package to Israel and Ukraine. Niall Paterson speaks to chief political correspondent Jon Craig to discuss if the national mood of Britain can be read from the results of the latest by-elections. He's also joined by Sky's defence and security analyst Michael Clarke to talk about the influence of an increased US military presence in the Middle East, and what might be the impact for Israel and Ukraine if the cash isn't approved.Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney Pead Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Oct 19, 2023 • 18min
The Israeli ground invasion into Gaza: When and how?
Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Prime Minister, discusses the possibility of an Israeli ground invasion in Gaza. Topics include challenges of urban warfare, dealing with underground tunnels, dynamics of attacking and defending forces, and geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

Oct 18, 2023 • 23min
Gaza hospital blast: The battle to own the narrative
Conflicting claims surround the Gaza hospital explosion, with challenges in verifying information. Reporting difficulties and the reliance on social media for news are highlighted. The attack on the hospital has wider implications for the Arab Street and the potential involvement of Hezbollah. The significance of the blast in shaping the conflict narrative and maintaining moral high ground is explored. A family shares their terrifying experience during a missile attack.

Oct 18, 2023 • 19min
What do by-elections tell you about the state of politics?
Sky's chief political correspondent, Jon Craig, discusses the significance of by-elections and potential general election outcomes. Highlights include upcoming by-elections in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, the Labour Party's defeat in the Uxbridge by-election, and personal anecdotes covering various UK by-elections.

Oct 17, 2023 • 20min
How to negotiate with Hamas | Biden in Israel
Scott Walker, a highly experienced kidnap for ransom negotiator, discusses the hostage situation in Gaza and efforts to bring them back. The podcast also explores the impact of Joe Biden's visit to Israel on the conflict. Topics include hostage conditions, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, diplomatic efforts, President Biden's visit, military deployment, challenges for Joe Biden, trauma faced by families, options for dealing with the situation, and the power of hope.

Oct 16, 2023 • 20min
Voice notes from Palestinians | What might happen to the 199 hostages
Former Gaza correspondent Nicole Johnston discusses the situation in Gaza and the challenges faced by Palestinians at the Rafah crossing. She shares heart-wrenching stories of separation and escape, and provides insight into the dire conditions and scarce resources in Gaza. The podcast also highlights the hostage crisis in Gaza and the involvement of multiple countries in ensuring the safety of the hostages.

Oct 13, 2023 • 23min
Gaza deadline: What happens next? | Antisemitism concerns in UK
Israel sets a 24-hour deadline for Gazans to evacuate, as discussed by Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall and Shaina Low from the Norwegian Refugee Council. Antisemitism concerns in the UK addressed by communities correspondent Becky Johnson, who explores the collaboration between Jewish and Muslim communities to prevent tension. The Muslim community's perspective on reporting suffering in Gaza, discrimination concerns, and empathy for victims in Israel are also discussed.

Oct 12, 2023 • 21min
Blinken backs Israel | Criminals could go free as prisons fill up
US supports Israel in wake of Hamas attacks, concern over escalations in the Middle East. Crisis in prisons as judges delay sending criminals due to overcrowding. Discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a family's perspective.

Oct 11, 2023 • 20min
What is Hamas, and what’s happening in Gaza?
The podcast discusses the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel's response to Hamas attacks, including the lack of food, water, and electricity. It explores Hamas' control in Gaza and the difficulties faced by Palestinians. The chapter also touches on the living conditions, support for Hamas, and potential reactions. It explores perspectives on peace and the possibility of a ground offensive. Lastly, it discusses reactions and unity in Israel, including protests against judicial reforms and the uncertainty surrounding the Prime Minister's political future.


