Sky News Daily

Governments often tell people to live within their means - but can the new prime minister?Andy Burnham will need to try hard after the UK's long-term borrowing costs reached a 28-year high.It's a serious headache for a prime minister who faced his first PMQs on Wednesday. So why are the costs so high? And how will this impact chancellor John Healey's first Budget next month?Niall Paterson sits down with Sky's economics and data editor, Ed Conway.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

The leader of the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt has been called "the most dangerous man in Germany".Ulrich Siegmund, a 35-year-old former perfume salesman, is on course to be elected as leader of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. His victory would be the biggest win for a far-right party since the Second World War.So who is he and what does the AfD stand for? And what would a state election win for the party mean for Germany and for Europe?Niall is joined by Sky's Europe's correspondent Alistair Bunkall, who tracked down Siegmund at an AfD rally in Saxony-Anhalt.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

Could artificial intelligence provide the key to finding true love?The chief executive of Bumble certainly hopes so as she plans to introduce an AI feature to the popular dating app.Whitney Wolfe Herd has already changed the world of dating by co-founding both Bumble and Tinder - so who is she? And why is she banking on AI being the future of matchmaking?Niall is joined by Mashable's associate editor Anna Iovine for the last episode in our series profiling the biggest names in the tech industry you might have never heard of.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us at: why@sky.uk. You can also watch This Is Why on YouTube.

Three years into Sudan's war, millions face hunger, displacement and violence.It was triggered by a power struggle between the army and a paramilitary organisation known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).Britain could have a key role in ending the war as its ally the UAE has been accused of backing the RSF.Dominic Waghorn speaks to Sky's Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir, who has recently returned from Sudan where she visited El Obeid, a city where thousands of civilians have sought shelter. It is facing siege-like conditions, and she tells us about what life is like there and what hope people have that the war will end.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

Bob Harris joins This Is Why to remember Dolly Parton. He interviewed her many times during her decades-long career and explains why she meant so much to people from every generation.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

112 care leavers aged 18 to 24 died last year, according to a government-commissioned review – that's three to four times the rate of their peers.Nick Martin, our people and politics correspondent, has been following the journeys of people leaving the care system for many years.Joining Niall, he shares the stories of those who have lived in care. He tells us about the challenges young people face and the changes that could help them when leaving the system.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.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

The "glorification of dangerous driving for clicks and entertainment" was "utterly disgraceful" and such content should be removed, a spokesman for the prime minister has said.This weekend, five young men died in a car travelling down on the wrong side of the A66; two policemen also died in the collision. In Ireland, just a week before, five boys died in a crash after their car was driven the wrong way down a motorway.Niall speaks to Dr Mary Aiken, a Professor of Forensic Cyberpsychology at the University of East London, and tech journalist Will Guyatt about what is driving young people to risk their lives in this way? And are social media companies doing enough to take down the content?Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 at the heart of the NHS? Niall is joined by Sky's technology correspondent, Rowland Manthorpe, for the latest episode of our series looking at the most important people in tech that you might have never heard of. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 correspondent Laura Bundock to unpack the Sussexes' dramatic return and consider whether more is at play.

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 Professor Ramon Pacheco Pardo to examine the shifting balance of power on the Korean Peninsula and what a reduced US military presence could mean for their allies across the Asia-Pacific.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk.

"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 infrastructure in Russia.The Ministry of Defence defended the use of its weaponry, claiming the UK will continue to stand "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine against "Russian aggression".It's not the first time Russia has used this sort of threat – so how seriously should we take it this time?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk.

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 than red alert?Should the system only be used if there is an imminent threat to life? Did it expose vulnerable people to potentially more danger? And what does it tell us about the way the Burnham government communicates?Niall is joined by Jo Tanner, a former adviser to Boris Johnson and now a director at PR firm Rud Pedersen.

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 sustained infernos? Niall Paterson is joined by retired London Fire Brigade commander Steve Dudeney, who now works as a fire and resilience consultant.

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?And with the prime minister encouraging more teenagers to take up vocational training, what does the future look like for universities?Niall Paterson is joined by Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 can actually do? And why was this scheme introduced in the first place?Niall Paterson is joined by home affairs commentator and former adviser to Yvette Cooper, Danny Shaw.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.ukFor more from our Insider podcasts such as Electoral Dysfunction – including ad-free listening, exclusive bonus episodes, and much more – become a Sky News Insider.Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction

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 taking place, what other celestial wonders might you witness if you make a habit of gazing up at the night sky? Niall Paterson is joined by Dr Jenifer Millard, co-presenter of the Awesome Astronomy podcast. To find your nearest eclipse event, click here. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 there ever be peace in Gaza with him in power?Niall Paterson is joined by Middle East expert Dr H. A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 parent company Alphabet. His is also co-founder and CEO of Isomorphic Labs, and an AI adviser to the UK government. DeepMind has used AI to predict the structure of proteins, a breakthrough that helped Hassabis win a Nobel Prize and could accelerate the development of new medicines. And the ambition goes much further: using AI to tackle some of the biggest unanswered questions in biology, physics and beyond. Niall Paterson speaks to Sebastian Mallaby, journalist and author of The Infinity Machine, about the extraordinary ambition behind DeepMind, why its approach to AI is different from some of its Silicon Valley rivals, and whether the technology could ultimately become the world's smartest scientist. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us at: why@sky.uk. You can also watch This Is Why on YouTube.

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 FIFA's management team who had been critical of him were not there.For now, he seems determined to hang on to power, but with UEFA also not backing down, is his position still under threat?Mhari Aurora is joined by Rob Harris, Sky News' sports correspondent, to discuss what happens next.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 eat. So what should the government be doing to help farmers deal with the effects of climate change and protect our food security? Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky News climate reporter Victoria Seabrook, and Martin Lines, a farmer in south Cambridgeshire who leads the Nature Friendly Farming Network. Have you got a question for the show? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 accidental overdose. Her latest music video Petal - in which she takes a chainsaw to her critics - sparked controversy as she looks visibly underweight.But what's the balance between ghoulish voyeurism and concern? And does she have a responsibility to her young impressionable fans? Mhari Aurora is joined by journalist and author of Toxic: Women, Fame And The Noughties, Sarah Ditum.If you or someone you know needs support with disordered eating, you can contact Beat, the eating disorder charity, via their website beateatingdisorders.org.uk. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 Farage's approval rating collapsing by 10 points in a fortnight, and Reform UK losing ground in recent elections to Labour and Restore, will this announcement help win back Reform's lost voters? Or is it more about distracting people from talking about Farage's finances?Mhari Aurora is joined by Alain Tolhurst, chief reporter at Politics Home, to discuss how significant this policy announcement is.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 everyday object before diving down a rabbit hole to explore what it tells us about the forces shaping our world.So - how did a banana trigger a CIA-backed coup? What do LED lights tell us about the future of humanity? Listen to this episode of This Is Why... and then listen to Stuff Matters.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 rushed through?Could England and other European nations really go for the nuclear option and pull out of the World Cup? And what is the involvement of Donald Trump and his family?Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky's sports correspondent Rob Harris.Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 prepared are we?Mhari Aurora hears from Sky correspondent Sadiya Chowdhury on France's frontline and speaks to wildfire safety expert Michael Bruce.

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 potentially key evidence taken seriously at the time? Mhari Aurora and Sky's crime commentator Martin Brunt discuss the impact of the case on women's safety, whether there were police failings and what lessons – if any – have been learned.

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 Cloak" drone jammers. So what is the technology and how might it help with the war effort?Mhari Aurora and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke also discuss how important the UK's support is for Ukraine and how long it can last.Have you got a question for Mhari? Email us: why@sky.uk

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, her role in Mr Burnham's rise to Number 10, and why those who know her see her as much more than the "Red Lou" label. They also ask what kind of politician she really is, and whether the woman many now describe as the power behind the prime minister could one day become a leader in her own right. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

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, what exactly are they proposing? And is there ever likely to be a wealth tax in the UK?Niall Paterson is joined by Julia Davies, a founding member of Patriotic Millionaires UKHave you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

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 represents one of the biggest political crises since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.So, what does all this mean for Ukraine's ongoing struggle for survival? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 as the new chancellor. So, what challenges does he face and will he be able to find the cash Rachel Reeves supposedly couldn't? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso.

"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 with reality? Can Mr Burnham's "Manchesterism" work on a national level? And will international events interfere with his domestic agenda?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig to assess what might happen in his first few weeks and months in office.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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? How did his upbringing shape him and what underpins his politics?Niall is joined by chief political correspondent of The Times, Aubrey Allegretti.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 nationalisation solve the fundamental issues privatisation was meant to solve? And if Burnham does deliver more services back into public ownership, what would be the trade-offs and ultimately the cost?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 election voting age to 16, are they in danger of sending a mixed message about how much we trust young people.Why do we allow teenagers to have certain responsibilities but not others? And should parents take more responsibility for preparing their children for adult life?Niall Paterson speaks to child psychologist Dr Adam Abdelnoor.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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, before backtracking on what seemed like an unworkable claim.But is the US still in danger of being dragged deeper into a long-term conflict with Iran that could have repercussions for the region – and the global economy – for years to come?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.

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 psyche, but so too does a love of British music, sport and even red post boxes.Now, the old rivals are set to meet once more for a place in the World Cup final. So why does this fixture feel so different?Niall Paterson is joined by the writer, broadcaster and author of Angels With Dirty Faces, a history of the Argentinian game, Jonathan Wilson.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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 NATO, and why his ability to build relationships could shape the alliance's future.With insight from Royal United Services Institute director general Rachel Ellehuus, we explore what makes Rutte tick, and what his leadership could mean for the years ahead.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us at why@sky.ukBecome a Sky News Insider! You can listen to Stuff Matters, Electoral Dysfunction, and Trump100 without ads, get new episodes early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, by becoming a Sky News Insider. Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over. Find out more and subscribe here: skynews.supportingcast.fm

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, there will be no meeting with the King before the end of his stay in the UK.So, what's next for Harry in the rift with his family and his fight with the press?Niall Paterson is joined by royal commentator Jennie Bond.

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 for the latest violence? What next for the ceasefire and could we soon see a return to all-out war? Niall is joined by Sky's military analyst Michael Clarke.

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 from his long-time ally, the convicted fraudster George Cottrell – and is also the subject of a parliamentary investigation over a £5 million gift from Reform donor Christopher Harborne.So why resign now? Will Mr Farage's political enemies be able to take advantage? And is there any truth to the conspiracy theories of an establishment and media hatchet job?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's Chief political correspondent Jon Craig.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk

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.But what does the deal mean for both viewers and the UK media landscape? And will regulators have questions about Britain's biggest commercial TV station being snapped up by a US-owned rival?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso.Sky is the parent company of Sky News, which makes this podcast.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk