Podcast · 332 episodes
This Is Why, page 5
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 5
Why the world should care about Africa’s latest Ebola outbreakThe episode argues the world must urgently respond to a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), now spreading to Uganda, because it involves a less familiar “Bundibugyo”…18 May 2026 · 17 min · 10 chapters
Why winning Makerfield might not be so easy for Andy BurnhamThe upcoming Makerfield by-election and whether Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham can win it for Labour, despite recent Reform gains and Labour’s weakened brand under Keir Starmer.15 May 2026 · 21 min · 9 chapters
Why Wes Streeting is accused of putting ambition above national interestWes Streeting’s resignation as UK health secretary, and the claim he’s prioritising ambition over the national interest rather than challenging PM Keir Starmer’s leadership.14 May 2026 · 22 min · 12 chapters
Why is the Royal Navy sending HMS Dragon to the Strait of Hormuz?The UK’s planned deployment to help reopen and keep open the Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran tensions disrupt oil tanker traffic, focusing on what Britain is sending and whether it can work without…13 May 2026 · 19 min · 6 chapters
Why are we addicted to changing prime ministers?Why the UK seems addicted to rapid prime minister turnover, and why voters increasingly punish leaders.12 May 2026 · 18 min · 9 chapters
Why replacing Keir Starmer isn't straightforwardAfter Labour’s election defeat, the episode explains why replacing Prime Minister Keir Starmer is difficult, focusing on Labour’s leadership rules, internal thresholds, and the likelihood of a…11 May 2026 · 17 min · 8 chapters
Why is Sergei Shoigu being accused of a Putin putsch plot?Reports from an unnamed European intelligence source claim Vladimir Putin is fearful of an assassination attempt or internal coup ahead of Victory Day, with scaled-back Red Square celebrations due to…8 May 2026 · 17 min · 10 chapters
Why Trump's oil boom is bad news for the UKHow the US fracking-driven oil boom (especially Texas’s Permian Basin) affects global oil supply and why it won’t fully “plug the gap” for the UK/Europe during an energy shock, including the Strait…7 May 2026 · 19 min · 10 chapters
Why the May elections matterThe episode argues that the May elections (Welsh Assembly, Scottish Parliament, London and other local contests, plus mayoral races) could trigger the biggest shift in British politics in a…6 May 2026 · 21 min · 9 chapters
Why Estonia is on the front line of Russia's rising ambitionsEstonia’s role on Russia’s eastern flank and the “never alone again” security approach, including NATO deterrence, hybrid threats, and Estonia’s whole-society resilience model.5 May 2026 · 15 min · 8 chapters
Why the United Nations is no longer fit for purposeWhether the UN is still fit to prevent war, given Security Council veto power, dysfunction among permanent members, and perceived toothlessness; discussion also covers reform limits and the UN’s…4 May 2026 · 20 min · 9 chapters
Why is Anna Wintour the most powerful figure in fashion?The episode explains why Anna Wintour is portrayed as the most powerful figure in fashion, linking her editorial control, personal branding, and management style to trends and careers.1 May 2026 · 19 min · 12 chapters
Why airlines have been cancelling flightsSurging oil prices and a jet-fuel supply squeeze are forcing airlines to cancel or cut flights, potentially affecting summer holiday travel.30 Apr 2026 · 15 min · 5 chapters
Why soldiers should take MDMA to treat traumaWhether UK laws should be changed to allow clinical use of MDMA (ecstasy) to treat PTSD in military personnel and other trauma-exposed groups, and the political/regulatory barriers to research.29 Apr 2026 · 17 min · 8 chapters
Why Iranian networks could be recruiting Brits for terrorA Sky News investigation discussed on “Politics at Sam and Anne’s” claims Iranian intelligence networks recruit UK residents for criminal and terrorist activity via social media, using Telegram…28 Apr 2026 · 18 min · 10 chapters
Why keeping the King safe is Trump's top priorityAfter a third attempted assassination of Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the episode explains why keeping King Charles safe is a top priority for his upcoming US state visit,…27 Apr 2026 · 15 min · 7 chapters
Why King Charles can save the special relationshipKing Charles III’s state visit to the US, framed as a chance to repair the “special relationship” amid tensions between Washington and Downing Street, Prince Harry’s recent comments, and risks from…24 Apr 2026 · 15 min · 8 chapters
Why Harry’s picking a fight with Putin and Trump on UkrainePrince Harry’s surprise visit to Kyiv is used to argue the Ukraine war is at risk of being forgotten, and to assess battlefield momentum, UK/EU support, and how US politics (including Iran and Trump)…23 Apr 2026 · 18 min · 9 chapters
Why the dangers of Mythos AI may be a mythThe episode debates whether Anthropic’s Mythos AI is truly a “red alert” danger or mostly hype.22 Apr 2026 · 15 min · 8 chapters
Why the government's civil war with the civil service mattersA dispute between UK ministers/Number 10 and the civil service over security vetting for Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US Ambassador, culminating in the sacking of Ollie Robbins and broader…21 Apr 2026 · 17 min · 8 chapters
Why Cuba is collapsing under Trump’s blockadeSky News argues that Donald Trump’s “oil blockade” (naval blockade off Cuba’s coast since early in the year) is accelerating Cuba’s collapse by cutting fuel and foreign currency, worsening shortages…20 Apr 2026 · 19 min · 10 chapters
Why Mandelson is causing more problems for StarmerKeir Starmer’s government is accused of mishandling the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, after Mandelson allegedly failed “developed vetting” (DV).17 Apr 2026 · 16 min · 7 chapters
Why the era of Saudi “sportswashing” could be overThe episode argues Saudi Arabia’s “sportswashing” via heavy investment in golf (LIV), football, boxing, and F1 may be ending, focusing on reports that the LIV Golf Tour could collapse as Saudi…16 Apr 2026 · 17 min · 7 chapters
Why NATO has to prepare for life without TrumpNATO’s behind-the-scenes planning for a “life without the United States,” driven by Donald Trump’s political stance that American troops may not defend Europe if Russia attacks, and by concerns about…15 Apr 2026 · 19 min · 9 chapters