This Is Why
This Is Why is a daily podcast from Sky News that breaks down one major news story each day. Host Niall Paterson talks to experts and correspondents to explain how we got here and why it matters. The show aims to make sense of complex global events in a straightforward way. New episodes are available every weekday afternoon.
Episodes
Why the NHS is working with ‘the world’s scariest CEO’
With his fuzz of chaotic grey hair and love of philosophy, Palantir boss Alex Karp isn’t your average tech bro. Not least because he recently published a pro-West manifesto that has been described as the “ramblings of a supervillain”. His highly-controversial data analytics firm is known by critics as “the world’s most dangerous tech company” - so what does it actually do and why does it sit right
Why now? Inside Harry and Meghan’s UK return
Six years after stepping back from royal life to live in California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will return to the UK this month.After years of public rows, explosive interviews and a bitter rift with his father and brother – King Charles and Prince William – could this be a chance for Prince Harry to rebuild relations?In this episode of This is Why, Tom Cheshire is joined by Sky News’ royal c
Why Trump’s split with South Korea is damaging his allies
Donald Trump is threatening to scale back US military commitments in South Korea - at the risk of wider instability across Asia.At the same time, the US president reaffirmed his “good relationship” with North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. So, why is Washington apparently willing to change its approach to diplomacy and security in the region?In this episode of This Is Why, Niall Paterson is joined by
Why Russia is threatening the UK... again
"London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer."This was the short and not-very-sweet response from the Russian Embassy, after it was confirmed British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia.Drone strikes have been used to great success by Ukraine recently, causing serious damage to military, economic and industrial infrastructur
Why the government defended its wildfires alert
Where were you at 7pm on Friday? Wherever you were, it’s likely you heard a loud alert activated on millions of mobile phones.It was the biggest use yet of the government’s emergency alert system, warning of the dangers posed by wildfires across England and Wales.Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the use of the measure, encouraging the public to take it seriously. But was it more red herring th
Why we should all be worried about wildfires
If you thought wildfires were confined to the countryside, it's time to think again. Several homes have been destroyed across the West Midlands and Staffordshire as the country swelters in yet another heatwave. Scorching temperatures and a lack of rain mean most parts of the UK are at threat of fires.So what can you do to stay safe? And are the emergency services suitably prepared to deal with su
Why record A-Level results won’t stop universities from struggling
As envelopes were ripped open up and down the country, university vice-chancellors were as eager to find out the results as hundreds of thousands of anxious students.So, a record number of undergraduates heading to campus this autumn might seem like good news for the higher education sector.But do frozen tuition frees, rising costs, and reduced investment for universities tell a different story?An
Why early prison release is an increasing burden for Burnham
You do the crime, you do the time… or a third of it if you’re part of the early release scheme.The move has been controversial since it was first introduced two years ago - but public anger has been reignited over the scheduled release of two men convicted of killing PC Andrew Harper.Prime Minister Andy Burnham is now under huge pressure to ensure they remain behind bars - but is there anything he
Why the eclipse has captured the country’s imagination
In what might feel like a rare break from sunshine, the UK is preparing itself for the most spectacular solar eclipse in a generation. The cosmic phenomenon occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, meaning the country will be slowly plunged into darkness. So, how can you watch safely? What is it about an eclipse that fascinates us? And with the Perseid meteor shower also ta
Why Netanyahu rejected Trump's Gaza peace plan
Some leaders have gone to extreme measures to save their jobs - but is allowing a deadly war to rage on indefinitely a step too far?That is what many believe Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is doing after he rejected Donald Trump's 15-point peace plan for Gaza.The proposal was designed to end more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas - so why has Netanyahu rejected it? And can
Why a British 'Silicon Valley outsider' is one of AI's biggest players
Artificial intelligence is already changing how we work, communicate and find information. But could its biggest impact be on science? Demis Hassabis is one of the most influential figures in AI. An artificial intelligence researcher and entrepreneur, he is the co-founder of Google DeepMind, having recently stepped down as chief executive to become the company's chair and chief scientist at its pa
Why Infantino is clinging on to power at FIFA
UEFA has said it is not lifting its boycott of the World Cup after FIFA president Gianni Infantino held a crisis meeting in Morocco. This appears to be in defiance of the letter issued by FIFA at the end of the meeting, which said it would "no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity".The letter said Infantino had continued to have the support of everyone who attended the meeting, but some of
Why the drought could threaten national security
Britain is on track for one of its worst harvests on record, according to new analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) think tank. It's bad news for farmers whose businesses are struggling, bad news for consumers who could see higher prices and potentially bad news for the country. We are far from being self-sufficient in our food production, already importing 40% of what we ea
Why we should think before having a conversation about Ariana Grande
The 33-year-old star has announced that she is taking a break from public life due to “endless scrutiny”. In recent years her weight and health have been the subject of much speculation and concern.Grande has endured a series of traumatic events. In 2017 a suicide bomber killed 22 people at her Manchester Arena show, and in 2018 her musical collaborator and ex-boyfriend Mac Miller died of an accid
Why Reform is hardening its position on small boats
Nigel Farage has held his first press conference in months as he launched his party's new policy to tackle small boat arrivals, if it formed the next government.It would see the Royal Navy intercepting boats carrying migrants and return them "under escort" to France or Belgium.Reform's opponents have branded the plan unworkable, with the Tories saying the policy is not credible. But with Nigel Far
Why stuff matters...
Listen to Stuff Matters and subscribe for members-only contentYou'll never think about a banana or look at your airpods in the same way after listening to this episode.It’s the podcast crossover the world has been waiting for. Niall Paterson sits down with Sky’s data and economics editor Ed Conway to discuss his six-part podcast Stuff Matters.The premise of the show is simple - Ed takes an everyda
Why is FIFA selling the World Cup?
The beautiful game is up for sale, with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino trying to raise billions of dollars from private equity for a stake in the World Cup.It’s put him on a collision course with some of football’s most powerful bodies – including the Premier League and UEFA, which says it will boycott FIFA competitions if these plans go ahead. So, what is Infantino proposing and why is it being rushe
Why the UK needs to learn from Europe’s wildfires
Continental Europe is ablaze. Could Britain be next?While we are yet to see the sort of devastation being experienced in France and Spain, record temperatures and drought conditions have already contributed to hundreds of wildfires across parts of the country.And experts are warning the UK can expect bigger and more dangerous fires in the future. So, what is causing this threat and how well prepar
Why was key evidence ignored in the Suzy Lamplugh case?
What happened to Suzy Lamplugh? It’s a painful question her family and the police have been asking themselves for 40 years. The 25-year-old estate agent vanished four decades ago this week after leaving her office in Fulham to meet a client – the mysterious “Mr Kipper”. It’s now hoped previously ignored witness testimony could help solve the high profile cold case - but why wasn’t this potentiall
Why Burnham benefits from the Zelenskyy visit
Week two of Andy Burnham's premiership and he's hosting his first foreign leader: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.It was a meeting with benefits for both leaders - as Mr Zelenskyy seeks support on defence, while Mr Burnham wants to show off his foreign policy credentials.They both may have got what they wanted after the UK prime minister announced support for Ukraine in relation to "Stone
'Burnham’s power broker': Why is Louise Haigh back at the heart of government?
Less than two years ago, Louise Haigh resigned from government under a cloud. Today, she's back at the heart of power as Andy Burnham's first secretary of state, and one of the most influential figures in Westminster. Niall Paterson is joined by Bloomberg journalist Rosa Prince to trace Ms Haigh's journey from Sheffield to the Cabinet Office. They discuss the conviction that derailed her career,
Why millionaires like Gary Lineker want to pay more tax
120 super-rich people have signed an open letter calling for higher taxes on the richest in society.They say taxing wealth more fairly could help reduce inequality, support public infrastructure and help small businesses. And point out that there are 50 families with more wealth than half of all British people. Critics, though, argue it could drive wealth overseas and damage economic growth.So, wh
Why has Zelenskyy sacked Ukraine’s most senior defence figures?
It's not just Andy Burnham who's been purging politicians from government.There's a wartime power struggle in Ukraine, where Volodymyr Zelenskyy ousted his top army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi – before trying to bring the country's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov back into government, just days after dismissing him.The sacking of Fedorov led to almost a week of nationwide unrest and repre
Why John Healey’s choices as chancellor will make or break Burnham
Everybody needs good neighbours. And on the day Andy Burnham moved into 10 Downing Street, he installed a surprise choice next door at Number 11. John Healey was highly critical of the Treasury when he quit as defence secretary last month, accusing it of being “unwilling” to provide the cash needed to fully fund his spending plans. Now he’s the one who will have to put his money where his mouth is
Why Burnham’s first 100 days will define his leadership
"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." Mike Tyson's infamous warning for his opponents could easily apply to the new occupant of Number 10.Giving his first speech outside Downing Street, the new prime minister hinted at what his priorities will be – from easing the cost-of-living crisis to keeping commitments on defence spending.But what happens when those plans make contact wi
Why it’s third time lucky for Labour leader Andy Burnham
Cabinet minister, Manchester mayor, ‘King of the North’ - Andy Burnham has held plenty of positions during his political career. But the next will be by far the most significant.The Makerfield MP is poised to take over as prime minister on Monday, after finally succeeding at his third attempt to become Labour leader.But who is the man behind the former Blair-era minister turned mayor of Manchester
Why nationalisation could be Burnham’s big gamble
It’s coming home.... British Steel will once again be, well, British after it was renationalised to “protect the future of steel production in the UK” - and that could be just the start.Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham has described water, energy, transport and housing as the “essentials of life” that should be run principally in the public, rather than private, interest.But can nationalisat
Why doesn’t the government trust teenagers?
You can have sex, learn to drive and join the army – but can’t be trusted to watch YouTube after midnight. Are the government’s latest curbs on teenage social media use practical or performative?The proposed curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds builds on the outright ban for under-16s due to come into force next spring – but won’t be compulsory.With the government committed to reducing the general elect
Why is Trump risking a 'forever war' with Iran?
Rip up the Memorandum of Understanding, the ceasefire is well and truly over. Iran and the United States are once more at war – with oil tankers targeted and the Strait of Hormuz firmly shut.Donald Trump's response? He insists the US will take control of the disputed waterway and act as a "guardian angel" for all ships passing through.Originally, he wanted to charge a 20% toll for the privilege, b
Why England vs Argentina means more than just football
From beef over barbed wire to a shared love of Oasis and The Beatles – the relationship between England and Argentina is... complicated.On the pitch, it’s one of the great footballing rivalries – defined by Diego Maradona’s "Hand of God" and David Beckham’s red card redemption.Off it, the two countries share a complex history. The dispute over the Falklands remains at the core of the Argentine psy
Daddy diplomacy: Why NATO's Mark Rutte remains the Trump whisperer
Mark Rutte has spent years quietly building a reputation as one of Europe's most effective political operators. Now, as NATO secretary general, he's trying to keep the world's most powerful military alliance together at a time of growing global uncertainty.So, who is Mark Rutte? Niall looks at the leadership style that's defined his career, how he's navigating some of the biggest challenges facing
Why Harry’s legal loss leaves him at a crossroads
Everybody has a bad week from time to time - but for Prince Harry the last few days have been something of a royal disaster.The King's wayward son lost his High Court battle against the publisher of the Daily Mail before accusing the judge of a "complete and obvious whitewash".Days earlier Buckingham Palace denied he would be staying there after the duke's team said he was. And as things stand, th
Why Donald Trump says the Iran ceasefire is over
The US and Iran are trading strikes again as Donald Trump turns to his weapon of choice - sitting down at press conferences and calling people names. America’s insulter-in-chief has used a NATO summit to say Iran are “sick people" and "scum" and that the ceasefire is now "over”. It was a fragile agreement that has broken down after tankers were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz - so who is to blame
Why has Nigel Farage resigned as an MP?
A fight for his political future or nothing more than a publicity stunt? Nigel Farage has announced he’s resigning as MP for Clacton only to stand to again in the by-election he’s triggering.Mr Farage calls it a case of the “people versus the establishment” but did he jump before he was pushed?He has faced intense scrutiny over his financial affairs, after it was reported he had received support f
Why is Sky buying the home of Coronation Street?
Cancel Corrie? No chance! ITV will remain free-to-air and continue to show fan favourites, such as Coronation Street and Love Island, following a deal to sell the broadcaster to Sky.Both Sky and ITV insist the move will make it easier to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix. And there’s a commitment to buy programmes from ITV Studios – which is not included in the sale – until 2034.Bu
Why Burnham could get the Milibands back together
Brothers, rivals, cabinet colleagues? When Ed Miliband beat brother David to the Labour leadership in 2010, it looked as if their relationship had been fractured beyond repair.But it appears Andy Burnham is giving serious consideration to offering them both big roles in his administration.Can the Milibands really work together again in government after years of estrangement? Will it be senior wome
Why grooming gang ringleader cannot be deported
He’s a convicted child rapist who’s been stripped of his British citizenship. But the ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang – released from jail this week – cannot be removed from the UK.Shabir Ahmed was sentenced in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12. But provisions in the Immigration Act 1971 mean he is safe from deportation.Politicians f
Why Trump’s Iran war is finally costing UK households
Whether you’ve been enjoying or enduring the summer heatwave, running that new air-con unit has just got a whole lot more expensive.For millions of people across England, Scotland and Wales the cost of household energy has soared by 13% from the 1 July – following the latest rise in the energy price cap.The war in Iran is largely to blame, thanks to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subseque
Why Burnham’s housebuilding boom is doomed
Every prime minister promises ambitious plans to build new homes – every prime minister in more than half a century has failed. Andy Burnham says he’ll be different.The former Manchester mayor is on the verge of becoming the new tenant in Number 10 and wants to oversee the biggest council house construction programme since the post-war boom.But you have to go back to 1970 for the last time any gov
Why British waters are less safe under defence drone plans
Drones in, destroyers out. The Royal Navy looks set to be the biggest losers when the Defence Investment Plan is finally published. Instead of building a new fleet of state-of-the-art warships, we will have to rely on cheaper ‘common combat vessels’ to serve as hubs for a hybrid response to the threat from Russia. How will the change in military spending be received when Sir Keir Starmer makes hi
Why the King's tax return leaves unanswered questions
The King has revealed how much income tax he pays, becoming the first monarch to ever do so. The Palace said the move was “increasing transparency”, but have the royals given us the full picture? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock and forensic accountant Professor Atul Shah, who have been combing through the tax releases. They explain exactly what was revealed and
Why we're in the dark on defence under Andy Burnham
It's all a little awkward. Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver his defence spending proposals to NATO next month, despite having lost both his job and his defence secretary.But the outgoing PM seems determined to push through with his plans just days before Andy Burnham potentially moves into Downing Street.The man whose resignation helped hasten Starmer's departure - ex-defence secretary John Heal
Why is the UK feeling the heat more than ever?
When an event discussing extreme heat at London Climate Week is called off due to... extreme heat, you know things are bad. In the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, “London is cooking.” Yes, it’s summer and heatwaves are hardly a rarity. But as record temperatures in June follow record temperatures in May – it's the frequency and severity of these weather events that are frightening
Why Brexit will define Burnham’s relationship with Europe
A decade to the day since the Brexit referendum, the European Union has postponed a proposed summit to reset the UK’s relationship with Europe.Following the fall of the Starmer premiership, Brussels will now wait and see what a new Labour leader – likely to be Andy Burnham – wants to achieve from any potential EU negotiation.But as every prime minister over the past 10 years has discovered, trying
Why did Keir Starmer resign as Prime Minister?
It's become a familiar sight in British politics - the lectern outside 10 Downing Street, ready for another resignation speech.On Monday morning, Sir Keir Starmer became the sixth prime minister to stand down in almost a decade, despite on paper commanding a huge Labour majority.So, why was his departure inevitable? And what will be the Starmer legacy following his two years in office?Niall Paters
Why Serena Williams is taking another shot at Wimbledon
Serena Williams has nothing left to prove. She's won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, inspired generations of players and built a legacy that reaches far beyond tennis. But after nearly four years away from the sport, she's returning to Wimbledon.So, Niall asks why one of the greatest athletes of all time is making a comeback. He is joined by Charlie Eccleshare, senior tennis writer for The Athletic,
Why reopening the Strait of Hormuz isn’t as simple as Trump thinks
End the war, get the oil tankers moving, and the world’s economy returns to normal. It sounds easy. It really isn’t. Donald Trump and the Iranian regime have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the hopes of bringing the four-month conflict to an end. But the key objective of allowing global shipping to pass freely through the currently Iran controlled Strait of Hormuz is far less straightfor
Why are Russian warships in the English Channel?
"Just one of those things." A typically British response to an unprecedented act of belligerence. When Alan and Jane Kelvey took their yacht out for a sail across the English Channel, the last thing they expected was to be at the centre of a huge diplomatic incident. But when a Russian-flagged frigate fired warning shots as the couple sailed nearby, it was yet another sign of the breakdown in r
Why the social media ban could affect everyone
It's not just teenagers having tantrums over TikTok, a social media ban for under-16s could have unforeseen consequences for anyone who uses the internet.The government's decision to crack down on everything from YouTube to AI chatbots was announced on Monday – but remained short on detail.How will any ban work in practice? Is this all being pushed through to provide a legacy for the prime ministe
Why Iran’s nuclear ambitions put peace in doubt
It was Donald Trump’s 80th birthday present to himself – announcing the US had finally agreed a peace plan with Iran. But is it really a done deal, especially when it comes to Iran’s nuclear ambitions?In fact, is it a deal at all? The two sides are understood to have reached a Memorandum of Understanding, bringing an end to the fighting and a start to 60 days of further negotiations.But whilst Ira
Introducing... Stuff Matters with Ed Conway
LEDs were supposed to be one of the great environmental success stories: a revolutionary technology that uses a fraction of the energy of traditional light bulbs. But have they really saved the world?In our new podcast Stuff Matters, economics and data editor Ed Conway takes an object, cracks it open and reveals the world shaping forces hidden inside.Each episode follows a trail of ideas that stre
Why Labour’s ‘Action Man’ Al Carns could challenge for No 10
He’s the former Marine who served in the special forces, climbs mountains for fun, and now could hold the keys to Downing Street. Following an astonishing interview on Sky News, Al Carns quit as Armed Forces minister over doubts the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan was going to be fully funded. It was yet another blow for a prime minister still reeling from the resignation of his defence secr
Why the US’s Iran-fuelled inflation is trouble for Trump (and the UK)
Americans are finally feeling the pinch due to Trump’s war in Iran, with inflation surging to a three-year-high.There’s no end to hostilities in sight, and with the Strait of Hormuz – which handles a fifth of global oil and gas supplies – still closed, it looks like prices will continue to rise.With any economic pain the US experiences amplified across the pond, how will the UK cope with yet more
Why Belfast’s troubled past made violence inevitable
The riots which brought mass disorder to the streets of Belfast on Tuesday night weren’t just a reaction to a brutal stabbing in the city the night before.According to Professor Ian Acheson, they were also an expression of the rage and anger felt by a divided community ignored by politicians and policy makers.The violence has been rightly condemned after houses were set alight and police cars atta
Why the UK has fallen behind on drone warfare
Swindon. The epicentre of the global drone industry? As unlikely as it might seem, the Wiltshire town could soon be just that. But instead of taking advantage of the cutting-edge weaponry being developed in the area, the UK is falling behind in the deployment of this potentially decisive technology. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have shown just how vital drones are in modern warfare – u
Why Trump and Netanyahu are split on Iran
After Israel launched strikes on Iran for the first time since April – against US wishes – are the cracks beginning to show between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu?The episode is another sign of the growing friction between the US and Israeli leaders, following reports of heated disagreements behind closed doors.Is Washington’s influence over Israel starting to wane? And as Netanyahu ramps up
Why Beatrice and Eugenie living rent-free is a risk for the royals
The idea of two princesses living in luxury while the King pays their rent may have seemed normal in days gone by – but surely not in 2026.Beatrice and Eugenie, the daughters of former prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, have been enjoying that very arrangement despite being non-working royals.So, who are Beatrice and Eugenie? How have they navigated the scandal over their parents' links to Jeffrey
Why 'trillionaire' Musk and SpaceX are driving the AI arms race
He was already the richest man on the planet. Now Elon Musk's wealth is about to go stratospheric.The SpaceX founder will become the world's first trillionaire when he launches the company on the US stock market next week.One trillion seconds amounts to a staggering 31,700 years. One trillion dollars would give Musk almost unimaginable influence.What are the dangers of him – and other tech giants
Why Putin has plunged Russia’s economy into ‘the death zone’
Moscow may have hit Ukraine with one of its biggest attacks of the war so far - but is it Russia’s economy that’s starting to crack? Businesses are closing while bills and taxes are on the rise – as the growing cost of the conflict is felt on the high street and in homes as much as the battlefield. With his hometown under attack from Ukrainian drones, what does Vladimir Putin fear most - losses
Why Nigel Farage is accused of exploiting Henry Nowak's murder
Is the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak a new low for the police - or an excuse for political point scoring?Henry was handcuffed as he lay dying after being stabbed, having been falsely accused of racially abusing his Sikh killer, Vickrum Digwa.Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claims this is yet another example of 'two-tier policing', where white people are treated differently to ethnic minorities.A
Why defence delays are dangerous for the UK
A year on from publishing a plan to make the UK's military fit for purpose, the government still hasn't said where the money's coming from.It now admits the long-delayed defence investment plan is still weeks away from being published.The prime minister has committed to spend 3.5% of GDP on core defence by 2035 - but is Sir Keir Starmer willing to sanction cuts elsewhere, from welfare or the NHS,
Why Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin could be a problem for NASA
A Blue Origin rocket explosion during a test launch at Cape Canaveral in Florida could have huge implications for Jeff Bezos' ambitions in space.His company had just won a big NASA contract to deliver lunar landers to the moon using his New Glenn rockets which are specifically designed to carry cargo.The failure will also affect NASA's moon plans, which already included little margin for error.Sky
Why don't we know more about cold water shock?
At least eight teenagers have died after getting into difficulty in open water during the UK’s record-breaking heatwave.The tragedies have caused the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to warn of the dangers of “cold water shock”, as many try to cool down in the baking heat.The deaths have also happened days before the official start of summer - so what can be done to keep people safe in t
Why Russia is ‘relentlessly targeting’ the UK
The head of the GCHQ intelligence agency has warned that Russia is going after critical infrastructure and democracy in the UK.Anne Keast-Butler also used the inaugural GCHQ annual lecture at Bletchley Park to say the threat of this "daily hybrid activity" leading to a wider conflict is as "high as I’ve ever seen it".Her warning comes days after an RAF jet carrying the UK's defence secretary John
Why did teenage rapists avoid jail?
Three teenagers who avoided jail over the rape of two girls in Hampshire will now have their sentences reviewed after a judge initially said he wanted to "avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily". One of the victims described the ruling as being like a "rock straight in my face".The attorney general, Lord Hermer, has announced that the Court of Appeal will review the sentences. His office
Why Westminster needs to think differently about devolution
In all corners of the United Kingdom, parties that back independence are now in charge.The SNP retained control in Scotland and Plaid Cymru took power in Wales for the first time following the May elections. And, with Sinn Fein becoming the biggest party in Northern Ireland back in 2022, it now means all three devolved legislatures in the UK are led by nationalist parties.So, what's behind their r
Why did Thomas Tuchel leave out some big England names?
Thomas Tuchel is England’s first German-born manager. He has led some of Europe’s biggest clubs, from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich to Chelsea, where he won the Champions League.But he has rarely stayed long in one place; Tuchel has had fraught relationships with club owners and executives.Now, as he announces his squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, some of his selection decisio
Why is the UK easing Russian oil sanctions?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Britain has sanctioned Moscow’s economy in an attempt to weaken Putin's war machine. But this week, the UK introduced a new exemption allowing diesel and jet fuel made from Russian oil to enter Britain via third countries.So, has Britain quietly relaxed its sanctions on Russia? And more broadly, have Western sanctions actually worked?Niall is joined by Tom Keatinge, f
Why Putin and Trump are queuing up to visit China
President Xi Jinping's hopes of putting China at the centre of a new world order have been given a boost by back-to-back visits of two of his fellow world leaders. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump both had the red carpet rolled out but the US president left without securing any major deals, while Putin has signed at least 20 deals and significantly a joint declaration on establishing a multipolar w
Why Elon Musk took Sam Altman to court (and lost)
Tech titan and X owner Elon Musk has seen his high-profile lawsuit against the boss of OpenAI Sam Altman thrown out of court.Musk accused his rival of making OpenAI, which created the increasingly popular ChatGPT, a profit-making company after he had donated $38 million to it.The jury may have ruled against Musk, but the feud between the two tech tycoons is likely to continue – and could define th
Why the world should care about Africa’s latest Ebola outbreak
A new strain of Ebola virus has been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation.More than 300 suspected cases have been identified – with at least 80 deaths reported. The outbreak is mostly confined to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but two cases have already spread to Uganda.Plus, a number of American citizens have also been exposed to the virus.Nial
Why winning Makerfield might not be so easy for Andy Burnham
The constituency of Makerfield has been a Labour safe seat for generations, but in the May elections, Reform UK won nearly every seat that was up for grabs at the local council. So how much of a gamble is it for Andy Burnham to try to stage a Commons return here? In his favour is his personal popularity in Greater Manchester and the fact he grew up in the area. Against him is the momentum of Refor
Why Wes Streeting is accused of putting ambition above national interest
On Thursday lunchtime, Wes Streeting resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government. The now-former health secretary said he had “lost confidence” in the PM’s premiership – the first cabinet minister to jump ship.But what he didn’t say (yet) is that he will challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership – and with it, the keys to Number 10.So, why hasn’t Streeting fired the starting gun on a contest his
Why is the Royal Navy sending HMS Dragon to the Strait of Hormuz?
The UK is providing jets, drones and our only operational Type 45 destroyer – HMS Dragon – as part of a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz.Thousands of tankers and cargo ships remain stranded after the Strait was closed at the end of February due to the Iran war.Defence Secretary John Healey has stressed the deployment is a defensive measure to secure freedom of navigation – but
Why are we addicted to changing prime ministers?
Keir Starmer is on the brink, as more and more Labour MPs and ministers call for his resignation – less than two years after he walked into Number 10.He remains defiant (for now), but whatever the fate of the prime minister, his predicament is one we've seen repeated over the past decade in a seemingly never-ending cycle of chopping and changing leaders.Since David Cameron's resignation in 2016 –
Why replacing Keir Starmer isn't straightforward
Despite a disastrous set of local and national election results, the prime minister has vowed to carry on regardless. But dozens of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour MPs have now called on him to resign – or at least set out a timetable for when he will leave Downing Street.Surely choosing a replacement – or even triggering a leadership contest – should be straightforward? However, even though there are a
Why is Sergei Shoigu being accused of a Putin putsch plot?
The annual Victory Day parade in Moscow will be a much smaller affair this year, without an intercontinental ballistic missile in sight.Why? Well, the threat of a Ukrainian drone attack is certainly one reason. But is there any credibility in reports of another threat - this time against Vladimir Putin himself?An anonymous European intelligence agency has claimed the Russian president is spooked o
Why Trump's oil boom is bad news for the UK
The emergence of the United States as an energy superpower has reshaped the global economy. Good news for its allies, right? Well, not necessarily...In Texas, fracking has turned America from a major importer into the world's biggest energy producer, effectively creating "another Saudi Arabia" almost overnight.But as Europe looks to the US to plug the energy gap caused by wars in Ukraine and the M
Why the May elections matter
Millions of people are preparing to head to the polls across Britain on Thursday. They'll be voting for thousands of local council seats in England - while people in Scotland and Wales will elect members of their respective devolved parliaments. But the results could have a huge impact on national politics. So, what happens to the prime minister if Labour loses as badly as expected? And does a goo
Why Estonia is on the front line of Russia's rising ambitions
It's the small Baltic state that's no stranger to being invaded - having been occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.But while many hope it will never happen again, there are fears in NATO and beyond that Estonia is next on Vladimir Putin's hitlist.So how is the country preparing for the threat from Russia? And could Estonia really be on the front line of a future war in Europe?Niall i
