Podcast · 332 episodes
This Is Why, page 4
by Sky News · English
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
All episodes, page 4
Why reopening the Strait of Hormuz isn’t as simple as Trump thinksWhether reopening the Strait of Hormuz is feasible and secure after Trump’s Iran memorandum, and what “open” really means given mines, escort needs, and Iran’s leverage.18 Jun 2026 · 20 min · 14 chapters
Why are Russian warships in the English Channel?The episode discusses why a Russian warship (the Admiral Grigorovich) was operating close to the English Channel and whether the incident involving a Russian frigate firing warning shots at a British…17 Jun 2026 · 21 min · 10 chapters
Why the social media ban could affect everyoneUK government plans to restrict social media for under-16s (from an early-2026 date), including default limits on chatting with strangers in games, and tighter rules around sexual/romantic chatbots;…16 Jun 2026 · 21 min · 9 chapters
Why Iran’s nuclear ambitions put peace in doubtA proposed Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding (MOU) extends a ceasefire for 60 days in the Iran war, but the nuclear issue remains unresolved, putting regional peace at risk.15 Jun 2026 · 19 min · 10 chapters
Introducing... Stuff Matters with Ed ConwayEd Conway introduces Stuff Matters, a new Sky News podcast series that uses everyday objects to explain big world-changing ideas.15 Jun 2026 · 15 min · 3 chapters
Why Labour’s ‘Action Man’ Al Carns could challenge for No 10The episode covers the shock resignations of Labour Defence Secretary John Healy and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns (Al Carns) amid a dispute over the UK defence investment plan.12 Jun 2026 · 21 min · 7 chapters
Why the US’s Iran-fuelled inflation is trouble for Trump (and the UK)How the US’s Iran-related conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz are driving higher energy costs and inflation in the US, with knock-on effects for the UK and Europe; implications…11 Jun 2026 · 15 min · 10 chapters
Why Belfast’s troubled past made violence inevitableBelfast street violence after a knife attack and a widely shared video, including fires at a bus and a Middle Eastern supermarket and attacks on police cars; discussion links the unrest to Belfast’s…10 Jun 2026 · 15 min · 8 chapters
Why the UK has fallen behind on drone warfareThe UK risks falling behind in drone warfare because of delayed defence investment, weak procurement adaptation, and lack of mass-production/testing capacity; Ukraine shows drones (cheap,…9 Jun 2026 · 16 min · 7 chapters
Why Trump and Netanyahu are split on IranThe episode explains why Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly split over Iran and how Israel’s strikes on Iran and Lebanon risk widening the conflict.8 Jun 2026 · 17 min · 6 chapters
Why Beatrice and Eugenie living rent-free is a risk for the royalsA Sky News episode argues that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie living rent-free in Crown properties is a risk and unfair privilege for the royals, especially since they are not “working royals”…5 Jun 2026 · 18 min · 12 chapters
Why 'trillionaire' Musk and SpaceX are driving the AI arms raceThe episode argues that SpaceX’s impending IPO and Elon Musk’s AI venture (XAI) are accelerating an “AI arms race” by pulling massive capital into unprofitable, high-potential tech.4 Jun 2026 · 18 min · 8 chapters
Why Putin has plunged Russia’s economy into ‘the death zone’The episode argues Russia’s economy is being pushed into a “death zone” by the Ukraine war—seen in business closures, tax changes, and credit being diverted to armaments—while Ukraine’s deep drone…3 Jun 2026 · 18 min · 5 chapters
Why Nigel Farage is accused of exploiting Henry Nowak's murderThe episode examines claims that police are practicing “two-tier policing” after the murder of 18-year-old Henry Novak by 23-year-old Vikram Digwa, who allegedly lied at the scene about being…2 Jun 2026 · 22 min · 7 chapters
Why defence delays are dangerous for the UKThe UK’s delayed Defence Investment Plan, meant to follow the June 2023 Strategic Defence Review, and why weeks/months of delay leave the UK vulnerable and harm deterrence, readiness, and defence…1 Jun 2026 · 15 min · 7 chapters
Why Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin could be a problem for NASAFallout from a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket explosion and how it could disrupt NASA’s lunar plans and affect the Bezos–SpaceX rivalry.29 May 2026 · 13 min · 8 chapters
Why don't we know more about cold water shock?Cold water shock and open-water drowning risks during the UK’s record heatwave, plus prevention advice and water-safety curriculum changes.28 May 2026 · 15 min · 7 chapters
Why Russia is ‘relentlessly targeting’ the UKGCHQ chief Ankees Butler warns Russia is “relentlessly targeting” the UK through hybrid, sub-threshold attacks—hitting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains, and public…27 May 2026 · 19 min · 7 chapters
Why did teenage rapists avoid jail?A UK court decision not to send three teenage boys to prison for raping two teenage girls has sparked outrage and is being reviewed by the Court of Appeal.26 May 2026 · 15 min · 8 chapters
Why Westminster needs to think differently about devolutionThe episode argues Westminster must rethink how it handles devolution because nationalist parties now lead in Wales, form a key force in Scotland, and govern in Northern Ireland—making constitutional…25 May 2026 · 19 min · 12 chapters
Why did Thomas Tuchel leave out some big England names?A Sky News/Politico discussion of England’s World Cup squad under manager Thomas Tuchel, focusing on why he omitted “big England names” and what that reveals about his coaching style and the demands…22 May 2026 · 19 min · 9 chapters
Why is the UK easing Russian oil sanctions?The UK’s decision to toughen Russian sanctions while delaying parts of the oil-derivatives ban, and what sanctions can realistically achieve in the Ukraine war.21 May 2026 · 15 min · 9 chapters
Why Putin and Trump are queuing up to visit ChinaXi Jinping hosts back-to-back summits with Vladimir Putin (25th Beijing visit) and Donald Trump (less than a week earlier), using high-drama ceremony and dealmaking to advance China’s goal of…20 May 2026 · 20 min · 10 chapters
Why Elon Musk took Sam Altman to court (and lost)A California court case over whether OpenAI should stay a not-for-profit, framed as the larger fight over who controls the most powerful AI technology.19 May 2026 · 15 min · 7 chapters