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by 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
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- 2 days ago17 min
Why Diana’s brother is making bombshell claims about the King
Lots of people have fallen out with their brother-in-law over the years - but it’s perhaps never been as explosive as the row between the King and Earl Spencer.In the latest royal drama involving the House of Windsor, the Palace has hit back at claims made by Princess Diana’s younger brother in a new book about his sister.Among them is that the King was “giddily elated” after Diana’s death. So, what else is in Earl Spencer’s memoir and why is he making these bombshell allegations now?Niall is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock.Since recording this episode, Earl Spencer has told the BBC that he is 'telling the truth' about a phone conversation he had with the King after Diana's death.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.ukAudio credit: BBCThis episode contains reference to suicide. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.Earlier this week, Niall interviewed Britain's most senior military official about why he believes this is the most dangerous moment for the UK in his 35-year career. Scroll back on your feed to find the episode.
- 3 days ago16 min
Why Canada courting the EU isn’t great news for Great Britain
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is looking for closer ties with Europe – but could an “associate” membership with the EU push the UK to the back of the queue?Addressing the European Parliament, Carney welcomed the idea of forming a partnership, which could potentially give Canada closer ties on trade, defence, and technology.The country is keen to strengthen its ties beyond the USA – with Donald Trump still intent on a punishing trade war. But what are the implications for the UK, as relations with Brussels continue to stall?What would associate membership mean? And could Canada become a blueprint for other countries?Niall Paterson speaks to director of the UK in a Changing Europe, Anand Menon.
- 5 days ago30 min
Chief of Defence Staff: Why this is the UK’s ‘most dangerous moment’
The country is under threat. Russian aggression, war in the Middle East and a military which has been ‘hollowed out’ for decades have all led to a crisis point for the United Kingdom.In a special episode of This Is Why, Britain’s most senior military official has explained why he believes this is the most dangerous moment in his 35-year career.In a wide-ranging interview with Niall Paterson, the Chief of the Defence Staff – Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton – has also revealed:How John Healey’s resignation as defence secretary took him by surpriseThe battle for more military spending, and what to do with the moneyWhy it’s vital to have an honest conversation about national resilienceThere is more exclusive content with Sir Richard Knighton on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.Download and subscribe here.Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
- 5 days ago17 min
Why the Thirlwall Inquiry isn’t the last word on Lucy Letby
The case of Britain’s most prolific child killer has gripped the nation ever since Lucy Letby’s trial began in October 2022.The former neonatal nurse was later convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.Now, a public inquiry has found some of those deaths could have been avoided if safeguarding action had been taken to remove her from the ward. So, what else did the report find and what action might the hospital face?Niall Paterson and Sky’s chief North of England correspondent, Greg Milam, also discuss whether the findings will support the cause of those who believe Letby is innocent.
- 6 days ago19 min
Why has Donald Trump called for Irish reunification?
It was a hole-in-one for the republican cause – the US president using a trip to his golf course in County Clare to lend his weight to the fight for a united Ireland. The timing couldn’t have been better for the first ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as they met to discuss further cooperation in the campaign for independence. But despite Donald Trump’s insistence that he would “love to see” a united Ireland – even if that means the break-up of the United Kingdom – Westminster should not worry just yet. Niall Paterson has been speaking to Sky’s Ireland correspondent, Stephen Murphy, about why there is not as much of an appetite on either side of the Irish border for reunification as you might expect. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
- 1 weeks ago19 min
Why 9/11 has turned toxic for two of New York’s most famous mayors
As America marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, a row has erupted between the man who led New York through its darkest moments and the city’s current mayor.Rudy Giuliani became the face of New York’s resilience following the fall of the Twin Towers, but he warned Zohran Mamdani to stay away from official memorial events.Mamdani, the city’s first ever Muslim mayor, ignored his predecessor advice – despite being compared by Giuliani to the al Qaeda terrorists who carried out the 9/11 atrocities.Is Giuliani’s ire racially motivated? What brought about the former Trump ally’s own fall from grace? And what have native New Yorkers made of Mamdani’s time in charge?Niall Paterson is joined by Niall Stanage, White House columnist at The Hill.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
- 1 weeks ago20 min
Experts warn AI could ‘kill us all’: This is why
Don’t worry, AI’s not preparing to wipe out humanity with a Terminator-style nuclear Armageddon – that's just not its style. But could it develop a virus that does the job instead? Well, that seems more of a possibility.... And speaking of odds, both former and current employees of tech giant Anthropic put the chances of AI ending all human life at roughly 10 percent. They only differ on the timescale. With seemingly no end to the breathtaking pace of development, is it too late for governments to intervene? And as experts increasingly acknowledge AI could cause existential change, how exactly could that happen? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s technology correspondent, Rowland Manthorpe. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
- 1 weeks ago16 min
Why does air traffic control keep failing?
Less up, up and away... more stuck on the tarmac. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded after yet another critical collapse of the country’s air traffic control system.While a cyber-attack has been ruled out, it’s still the third time in four years severe disruption has affected airlines and travellers because of problems at NATS – a public-private partnership and the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services.Why do these issues keep happening? Should the government intervene? And is it only a matter of time before passenger safety is compromised?Niall Paterson speaks to aviation expert and former air traffic controller, Doug Maclean.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
About This Is Why
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
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