Sky News Daily

An online network known as ‘The Com' is targeting children and coercing them into acts of violence, self-harm and abuse. A new report has revealed members – mostly aged between 11 and 25 – are groomed into hurting themselves or others to gain social status. How worried should parents be and what are the signs your child might be involved? Niall speaks to Sky's Adele Robinson following her investigation into the online group. WARNING: This report contains references to suicide, self-harm and sexual abuse which some may find distressing. If you've been affected by this story, and are feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal, you can contact the Samaritans by emailing jo@samaritans.uk or jo@samaritans.ie Producers: Soila ApparicioEditor: Mike Bovill

Pubs may have been given a discount on their business rates bills - but with many landlords still suffering a post-Covid hangover, does it go far enough?Last year, it was reported that eight pubs are closing in the UK every week - so can anything be done to save the great British boozer?And is the government solely to blame? After all, the younger generation now seem to prefer lifting weights over necking pints.Niall is joined by pub landlord Simon Wade and Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality.Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily HulmeEditor: Mike Bovill

Sir Keir Starmer is heading to China for what will be the first visit by a British prime minister since Theresa May went in 2018. He'll be accompanied by a plane full of business leaders as he hopes to improve the UK's trade and economic relations with China. But the UK already has a huge trade deficit with China – so what might the prime minister get in return? The visit also takes place against the backdrop of his approval of the new Chinese "mega" embassy in London and allegations of Chinese spying. To discuss the security concerns and how close a relationship the UK should have with the Chinese, Niall is joined from Beijing by The Times' China correspondent, Richard Spencer Producers: Tom Gillespie and Emily HulmeEditor: Wendy Parker

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the biggest overhaul of the police service in England and Wales in nearly 200 years.Her reforms include reducing the number of forces, the creation of a "British FBI" and using data and AI to predict criminal activity before it happens.Some of this has been heard before - so exactly how radical are these reforms? And will they make forces fit to tackle the changing nature of crime?Niall is joined by Sky's crime commentator Martin Brunt.

Brooklyn Beckham doubled down this week on his estrangement from his family in an explosive social media post, saying he did not "want to reconcile" with them. Key to his complaint was how his wife, Nicola Peltz, was treated by his parents - particularly at their wedding. David and Victoria Beckham have not responded to the claims but have been approached for comment. So who is Nicola Peltz and what happens next for the Peltz Beckhams? Niall speaks to the Daily Mirror's showbiz editor Amy Denman about Nicola Peltz's life as an heiress, actress and now as part of one of the most talked about couples on the planet. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker

In the same month he ordered strikes on Venezuela and threatened to seize Greenland, Donald Trump has been inviting countries to join his "Board of Peace".The US president and disruptor-in-chief has pitched the board as a mechanism to rebuild Gaza - yet its charter does not even mention the territory.Russia has been invited, while still waging war on Ukraine – so what is this so-called Board of Peace? Can it achieve a lasting solution for Palestine? And is Trump trying to replace the United Nations?Niall is joined by Sky's Middle East correspondent, Adam Parsons.

Teenagers generally hate being told what to do – as any parent who's tried getting them off their phones can testify.The government is now considering a social media ban on children under 16 – but the move has had mixed reviews since its introduction in Australia. What lessons can be learned over here?Would teenagers simply find a way around the ban? And is there a better way to keep children safe online?Jonathan Samuels is joined by Sky's tech reporter Mickey Carroll.Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Mike Bovill

It's where world leaders rub shoulders with billionaires while former footballers clink champagne flutes with film stars and tech bros. President Trump is the star turn at the Swiss ski resort of Davos for the annual World Economic Forum. But what exactly is the World Economic Forum? And what's the purpose of this glittering get-together of the global elite? Gareth Barlow speaks to Sky's business and economics correspondent Paul Kelso from the heart of the action in Davos. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

Is Donald Trump's threat to impose more tariffs on countries trying to block his plan to buy Greenland the last straw for the strained relationship with the UK?Sir Keir Starmer is walking a diplomatic tightrope - on the one hand rebuking the president for his threats, while on the other reiterating the UK and US remain the closest of allies.But could this mark a point of no return for the man once described as the 'Trump whisperer'?Niall speaks to the UK's first national security adviser, Lord Ricketts, about the history of the alliance between the UK and the US and whether Sir Keir can successfully keep it intact, at this delicate moment in history.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

Bonus Episode: Prince Harry's final showdown with the British media is due to start this week. The duke is set to give evidence in court on Thursday in his case against the Daily Mail publishers.Harry, alongside a group of claimants including Sir Elton John, Liz Hurley and Baroness Lawrence, has accused Associated Newspapers Limited of hiring private detectives to place listening devices inside cars and of accessing private records and phone conversations.Associated Newspapers denies all the allegations, calling them "preposterous smears".What does this case mean for his stated aim of cleaning up the British press? And how will it further affect his relationship with the rest of the royal family?Niall speaks to Sky correspondents Laura Bundock and Katie Spencer, who will be covering the case.Producers: Natalie Ktena & Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

The reinvention of Robert Jenrick reached what could be a career-defining milestone after he was sacked from the Tory party and walked into the arms of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The manner of his departure created a political earthquake - but his defection will surprise few who have been following his career. From his drastic weight loss to climbing lampposts with flaggers - who is Mr Jenrick and how has he tried to scale the political ladder? Niall is joined by co-host of Politics at Sam and Anne's, Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates, and Nottinghamshire Live editor Natalie Fahy. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

While the world's attention has been on Greenland, should Antarctica also be in the geopolitical spotlight? The US has been withdrawing its influence over the continent, allowing Russia and China to expand their presence. Meanwhile, Antarctica's vast ice sheets keep melting and its research community is in a battle against time to understand why it's happening so quickly. Sky's science editor Tom Clarke speaks to Niall about his recent trip to the seventh continent. Producers: Natalie Ktena & Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

The government claims the UK is on track to meet its clean power targets for 2030 following a record offshore wind auction. However, in a world where the price of so many things is going up, it turns out wind is no exception. Energy secretary Ed Miliband hopes the UK's reliance on natural gas will be gone with the wind - but are consumers willing to pay the price? Niall is joined by Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso. Producers: Tom Gillespie and Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

More young people now believe in God than any other demographic, according to research which also shows a rise in church attendance amongst 18 to 24-year-olds.The leap in faith has emerged as a growing number of young TikTok influencers – from Christian content creators to reality TV stars – are spreading the word of God online.Is social media solely behind this divine intervention or could other factors be playing their part?Niall speaks to Christian vlogger and influencer Chrissy George and Sky's digital video reporter Holly Beaumont.Producers: Tom Gillespie & Natalie KtenaEditor: Mike Bovill

Any kind of public dissent in China is both dangerous and difficult to document. But that hasn't prevented a dramatic increase in the number of protests taking place across the country. Police and other security forces act swiftly to shut them down – as a Sky News team learned first-hand when they were forced into cars and driven away whilst trying to film a factory strike in Shenzhen. What is the significance of the protests in China and could events in Iran be making Beijing nervous? Niall is joined by Sky's Asia correspondent Helen-Ann Smith. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

Cilia Flores was one of the most powerful figures in Venezuela. She and Nicolas Maduro met through their close connection to Hugo Chavez and once Maduro succeeded him as president, she helped him maintain his more than a decade-long grip on power. Flores has been accused of corruption, nepotism, and links to organised crime and has been sanctioned by the US and Canada. Niall is joined by Venezuelan-American journalist Jose Enrique Arrioja, who is the managing editor of Americas Quarterly and has covered politics in Latin America for over two decades. They discuss why Flores was such a central figure to the Maduro regime. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Wendy Parker

Friday marks 1,000 days since the outbreak of a brutal war in Sudan between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has devastated the country – leaving more than 150,000 people dead, about 12 million people believed to have been displaced, and human rights groups accusing fighters in Darfur of ethnic cleansing. Niall speaks to Sky's Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir – who has reported on the simmering tensions in Sudan for a decade. She shares her personal reflections on the country of her birth, as well as explaining the current situation on the ground and what the future could look like for the Sudanese people. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Could the USA really seize Greenland? And just as importantly, why does it want to?President Trump has sent shivers through the NATO alliance by doubling down on his threat to seize the island.The White House is also refusing to rule out military action as part of its ambitions to annex the autonomous Danish territory – and recent events in Venezuela suggest such a threat should be taken seriously.Why is the American president interested in Greenland? What would an attack on a fellow NATO member mean for the alliance? And how do Greenlanders themselves feel about all this?Niall is joined by Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn from the country's capital, Nuuk.Producer: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

The French first lady may have had her day in court, but can she win an even bigger case in the US to finally clear her name following the spread of online conspiracy theories?After years of abuse, ten people have been found guilty of cyberbullying Brigitte Macron. Their claims included outright lies about her gender as well as allegations around the nature of her relationship with her husband, President Emmanuel Macron.But the legal action won't stop there, with the couple also suing the American right-wing influencer Candace Owens for amplifying the same accusations.So, who began spreading these theories and why? What is their enduring appeal to the public? And can the Macron trial prove to be a landmark moment in the fight against cyberbullying?Niall speaks to Emma-Kate Symonds, a Paris-based journalist at Conspiracy Watch, about where these theories start and why they catch on.Producers: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

Should we be shocked by Donald Trump's intervention in Venezuela – or is it simply an extension of 200 years of Washington foreign policy?The US stunned the world with the military strikes which led to the capture of the Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro. Trump then went further by suggesting the US will now 'run' the country for the foreseeable future.For a leader who's positioned himself as a 'President of Peace' does this move mark a significant shift for Trump? And is this a continuation of the sort of US interventionist foreign policy that has shaped the world for decades?Niall is joined by Dr Stephen Tuffnell, associate professor of modern US history at St Peter's College, Oxford, to discuss how this move fits into the history of US foreign policy and which countries could be affected next.Producers: Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

Over 2025, every Friday, the Sky News Daily has been profiling a figure in the news – those who are making headlines, creating conversations. During the festive period, we're revisiting some of those standout profiles – the ones that really got us talking.In June, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's often reclusive supreme leader, surfaced to hit back at Donald Trump's demands for an unconditional surrender.Khamanei first came to power as President of Iran in 1981, and he was a surprise choice for supreme leader eight years later. But since then, with the help of the Revolutionary Guard he has had almost complete control of Iran and its anti-Israel and anti-American foreign policy agenda.Sky's Tom Cheshire speaks to Alex Vatanka, founding director of the Iran programme at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC, about how Khamenei is viewed inside Iran and how his policies contributed to the current crisis.Producer: Soila ApparicioEditor: Wendy Parker

Over 2025, every Friday, the Sky News Daily has been profiling a figure in the news – those who are making headlines, creating conversations. During the festive period, we're revisiting some of those standout profiles – the ones that really got us talking.In October, the royal previously known as Prince Andrew, lost his titles over his association with convicted pedofile Jeffrey Epstein.His ex-wife – Sarah Ferguson – was also in Epstein's network, and she was dropped as a patron of several charities at the time. But it wasn't the first time Sarah – Duchess of York had caused the Royal family a headache.Andrew Lownie, historian and author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall Of The House of York, joins Niall in remembering the key moments in the duchess's public life.Producers: Soila Apparicio, Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

Over 2025, every Friday, the Sky News Daily has been profiling a figure in the news – those who are making headlines, creating conversations. During the festive period, we're revisiting some of those standout profiles – the ones that really got us talking.In July, the author of bestselling book The Salt Path was the main character in her own seismic plot twist. Was the story - based on Raynor Winn's life-affirming account of how her husband's illness and losing their money and home put them on a 630-mile coastal walk - true?Since the initial bombshell that it wasn't quite all that, there's been news accusations alleging Raynor Winn took money from relatives. And the Sky Documentaries team has followed the story too, in a new film out for your festive viewing.You can make up your own mind on the real Salt Path, for now, here's our revisit to: What's the truth of The Salt Path?Niall goes through the original claims with Sky News arts and entertainment Jayson Mansaray and hears from a journalist who has interviewed Raynor, Charlotte Lytton.Producers: Emily Hulme and Soila ApparicioEditor: Paul Stanworth

Coming soon to a lamppost near you? That was the feeling over the summer, as flags started appearing on buildings, bridges and posts – but the undertone was unclear. For some, flags were about national pride, for others, it felt like a nationalist warning. While patriotism and pride can be expressed in inclusive ways, the current political climate has made it a more polarised and contentious issue. So, how has the debate changed? In our final festive episode looking back at the biggest moments of the year, Niall is joined by director of the British Future thinktank and author of ‘How To Be A Patriot' Sunder Katwala and our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

Nobody expected a sit-down meeting between two world leaders to become one of the most explosive encounters of Ukraine's war with Russia. When President Zelenskyy walked into the Oval Office to face Donald Trump back in February, their White House meeting descended into a fiery, confrontational, openly hostile clash. But did that showdown shift the course of the conflict? Niall is joined by military analyst Michael Clarke and Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to look back at the bust up, and how it impacted the push for peace in Ukraine. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

It's arguably the biggest royal scandal since 1992's "annus horribilis" - Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, stripped of his titles and set to be evicted from Royal Lodge in Windsor. Now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, his downfall was caused by more revelations over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.In the first of our festive episodes looking back at the biggest moments of the year, Niall is joined by ex-BBC royal watcher Jennie Bond and Sky's royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills. They discuss why the King decided to take such a drastic step by ostracising his brother and whether it's enough to limit the damage done to 'The Firm'. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

Most of us have told the odd tall tale from time to time – but not many people would pretend to be an MI6 agent or a wealthy Swiss banker. Those are just a couple of the outlandish lies told by notorious British conman Mark Acklom - whose life of deception started as a teenager and took him all over Europe. Sky's crime correspondent Martin Brunt spent years on Acklom's trail, after one of his devastated victims contacted him asking for help. As Acklom's latest court hearing gets underway, Martin tells Niall why some stories are stranger than fiction. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

It's been 25 years since a crew of astronauts first stepped foot on the International Space Station – and it's been occupied ever since. The station itself will be “de-orbited” in 2030, but naturally humankind's ambition to explore the universe remains as limitless as ever. What will the new space race between the US and China look like? Or could the ambitions of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos take us into another dimension? Niall is joined by Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Work Christmas parties might be in full swing - but many young people are simply wishing they had a job to go to. Figures show the unemployment rate has risen again and those aged between 16 and 24 have been hit the hardest. Nowadays it seems not even a degree is enough to land you a job - so what's causing youth unemployment and what can be done to reduce it? Niall is joined by social media influencer and careers adviser Soshanna Davis - better known as the Fairy Job Mother. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

The world was shocked to see the scenes at Bondi Beach – one of Australia's most iconic locations – after 15 people were shot dead and dozens more injured when two gunmen opened fire on members of the Jewish community at a Hanukkah celebration. What did intelligence and law authorities know of the suspects – a father and son - and what more could have been done to confront a rise in antisemitic attacks across Australia? Niall is joined by Sky's Nicole Johnston – who was at the scene within an hour – and finds out more about the sense of inevitability and foreboding amongst Australian Jews with Josh Roose – an associate professor of politics, specialising in extremism, at Deakin University. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

He's the most streamed artist on the planet and will headline the Super Bowl halftime show – so, who is Bad Bunny? The star dubbed the 'King of Latin Trap' has become a household name across the US and Latin America – but his political stance and decision to cancel concerts over fears they would be targeted by immigration raids has caused controversy. Niall is joined by Anamaria Sayre, co-host of Alt.Latino, curator and producer for NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, to understand Bad Bunny's career to date and what could be next. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emily Hulme & Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

The NHS is warning of a worst-case scenario over Christmas as an "unprecedented wave of super flu" drives infections across the country. An average of 2,660 patients were in hospital a day with flu last week - the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% on the week before. There is no peak in sight - so what's caused the predominant H3N2 strain to emerge and can the NHS cope with the extra pressure? Niall is joined by NHS GP and health educator Dr Raj Arora and Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Kiki Marriott is one of the thousands of people in the UK whose life has spiralled out of control because of gambling addiction. However, research has shown that while people from ethnic minorities like Kiki are actually less likely to gamble than their white counterparts – they are more likely to suffer harm from gambling and less likely to seek help. Why is this? And what can be done to help those most in need feel more comfortable with getting support? Niall is joined by Kiki and Sky News correspondent Emma Birchley. Warning: This podcast contains references to addiction, substance abuse and suicide. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Earlier this year, Donald Trump launched a series of punitive tariffs that in turn ignited a trade war that has changed the way we look at the established global economy. As we head towards the first anniversary of Trump's second term in office, what has been the impact of those tariffs both in the USA and around the world? Niall is joined by Sky's economics and data editor, Ed Conway, who has been on the road to see how Trump's tariffs have affected everyone from small businesses to global conglomerates. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Mike Bovill

“Too many women and babies are not getting the safe, compassionate care they deserve.” The starkest of warnings has been issued by the president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Ranee Thakar, about the failures in maternity services across the country. A new Sky documentary, Birth Trauma: The women who weren't listened to, tells the stories of three women who were failed by the NHS. But why is maternity care so bad in the UK? And what can be done to improve the experiences of women and babies? Niall is joined by Leah Hazard, a practising NHS midwife and bestselling author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story, to understand what leads to negative birth experiences and what changes she hopes a national inquiry will recommend. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

Imagine setting up a political party and then boycotting day one of its first conference.It's an unusual thing to do - but exactly what Your Party co-founder Zarah Sultana did last weekend.The former Labour MP isn't the first politician to struggle after defecting to set up a new movement.What's the story behind the left-wing 32-year-old - and how do you successfully set up a new party?Niall is joined by Sky News political correspondent Rob Powell, who attended Your Party's chaotic inaugural conference.Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Mike Bovill

Grooming gangs continue to plague our communities. Through the voices of the survivors themselves, a new Sky documentary tells the story of the gangs and how they continue to exploit young girls. Liz Lane and Sarah O'Connell are specialist producers who have been working with vulnerable and groomed women and girls for years, giving them the chance to tell their stories. They join Niall to talk about Scarlett and Danielle, and the reality of the abuse they've suffered. You can watch Prey: Inside today's grooming gangs on Sky News or our YouTube channel here. Warning: this episode deals with grooming, drugs, violence and child sexual exploitation. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill

Lucy was 13 when she was robbed by the drug gang she was working for and then stabbed as punishment. Now in her 20s and living in a refuge, Lucy was one of thousands of children exploited by violent drug gangs. A decade after authorities first identified the emergence of "county lines" dealing, parents and former child runners have spoken about the devastating impact on their lives. Niall is joined by Sky's home affairs editor Jason Farrell. Producer: Tom Gillespie Editor: Mike Bovill

David Lammy has set out radical plans to limit jury trials to only the most serious of crimes.The deputy prime minister argues the move will help tackle a backlog of court cases which has “pushed the justice system to the brink of collapse”.The plans have been heavily criticised, not least by the opposition. But if restricting the right to a jury trial isn't the answer, then what is?Niall is joined by Dr Rebecca Helm, professor of law and empirical legal studies at the University of Exeter, and Sky News correspondent Dan Whitehead.Producers: Emily Hulme and Tom GillespieEditor: Mike Bovill

From being shot at in Syria to navigating the gang-controlled streets of Haiti, a new YouTube series is shining a light on some of Sky's most hard-hitting journalism. Hotspots takes you behind the scenes in hostile environments around the world to deliver the story behind the story. Our correspondents Stuart Ramsay and Alex Crawford join Niall Paterson to discuss their important work and where they'd like to go next. You can watch Hotspots here: youtube.com/@SkyNewsHotspots And subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

The Office for Budget Responsibility has attracted huge criticism, and anger from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, after mistakenly revealing the details of her budget hours before she delivered it. But the watchdog already had its critics. Liz Truss says she never realised how powerful the OBR was and that it should be abolished. And Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the OBR's assessment of his government's fiscal plans. So how will the budget leak affect the OBR's future? Niall talks to Ed Conway, Sky's economics and data editor about exactly what the OBR is, whether it has too much power and if it will survive. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Wendy Parker

A climbdown from the government over workers' rights. Is it another manifesto breach?A member of the National Guard who was shot near the White House on Wednesday has died. It's sparked a fiery debate over immigration in the US.And an incredible story about one of the rarest operations you can have.Anna Jones and Kamali Melbourne have the day's news, in just 10 minutes.Follow Cheat Sheet here to never miss an episode: https://podfollow.com/cheatsheet/