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"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
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
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.
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
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 women in the cabinet who are forced to make way for their promotion to power?And what does it say about Burnham's political instincts that he appears to be so reliant on former friends from the Blair-Brown era?Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's chief political correspondent, Jon Craig.
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 address whether the numbers are as clear-cut as they seem. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
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 forecasters and climate scientists. With a rare red heat warning in place across much of England and Wales, hundreds of schools have closed, travellers have been warned to avoid public transport and there are threats of power cuts. But as our summers become ever hotter, are we doing enough to adapt national infrastructure? And why are politicians so hesitant to take transformative climate action? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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 to reshape those relations from outside the union is fraught with political danger.Will a Burnham Number 10 seek to strengthen ties with Europe? Could he call for a customs union - and be willing to pay the price? And how will it be viewed by the Leave-supporting voters of Makerfield and the rest of the so-called “Red Wall”?Niall Paterson is joined by Anne McElvoy, executive editor of POLITICO Europe and co-host of our sister podcast, Politics at Sam and Anne's.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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 Paterson is joined by Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell.
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 straightforward than it may appear. From the threat of minefields to a change of heart over military action, it could take months – if not longer – for the region to return to normal. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Sean Bell. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
"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 relations between the Kremlin and the UK. Was this an indirect response to the impounding of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker by British forces? Why are Moscow's warships operating so close to the UK coastline in the first place? And is it another example of the Royal Navy's lack of resources? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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 minister? And will every adult user now have to prove they're over-16, with a potential impact on privacy and civil liberties?Niall Paterson speaks to the tech journalist and broadcaster Will Guyatt.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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 Iran has again reiterated its commitment to not produce a nuclear weapon, the future of the country's uranium enrichment programme is far more vague.Will Mr Trump be satisfied his original war aims have succeeded? And what about the role of Israel in any longer-term peace deal for the region?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's International Affairs Correspondent Dom Waghorn.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.ukIntroducing 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: https://skynews.supportingcast.fm/
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 Epstein? And is it right the King still pays their rent?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's royal correspondent Laura Bundock.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
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 – amassing so much wealth?Niall Paterson is on the money with Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
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 on the frontline, unrest over the struggling economy, or the possibility both could combine to threaten his control? Sky's Ivor Bennett sends a snapshot from St Petersburg, while Niall Paterson is joined by our military analyst Professor Michael Clarke. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
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.Are those allegations justified? Do police forces in England have an institutional problem with race? Or are the facts and statistics being ignored to suit a political agenda?Niall Paterson is joined by Clifford Stott, professor of policing research at the Open University.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.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, to pay for it?As the US seemingly turns its back on NATO and the threat from Russia increases, is the UK taking defence spending seriously enough?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Sean Bell.Have you got a question for This Is Why? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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 decisions have already sparked controversy. So what do they, and his career so far, reveal about the man carrying England's hopes on his shoulders?Our sports correspondent Rob Harris, fresh from interviewing the England manager, speaks to Niall Paterson about Tuchel's leadership style, his track record under pressure, and whether he can succeed where others have failed.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
The war in Iran has led to fears of food shortages and fuelled forecourt price hikes – but is your summer holiday also in jeopardy?The price of jet fuel has soared higher than any other oil product, including petrol, since the Middle East conflict led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.It means major airlines – including Qatar, Etihad and Lufthansa – have started cancelling flights. So how worried should you be about your summer holiday abroad?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk
Welcome to 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 from Monday 2 March 2026. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
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 from Monday 2 March 2026. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.uk
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 UK's first female prime minister undoubtedly transformed the country as she achieved electoral success her Conservative successors could only dream of.Evidence of her enduring influence is the fact that it's not just Tories who claim a debt to her but also opposing politicians, with Rachel Reeves recently branding herself the "iron chancellor".She was also a very divisive figure, with lasting anger over her handling of the miners' strike and the controversial poll tax.So, what is Baroness Thatcher's legacy to both her party and the country? What would she have made of Brexit and the rise of Reform UK? Will she still be talked about in another 100 years?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig.Producers: Tom Gillespie and Soila Apparicio Editor: Wendy Parker
It's the morning of Monday 6 October 2025 and Russia has launched a missile strike against the UK. That was the scenario of The Wargame - a gripping five-part Sky News podcast that brought together former government ministers, military chiefs, and top defence experts to explore how the UK might respond to a modern-day crisis. On the real 6 October, we speak to some of the makers of the series to get a sense of whether our leaders are taking the threat of Russia seriously enough. Would the United States come to the UK's aid if bombings began on British soil? And what do we need to do to improve our defence capabilities? Niall Paterson is joined by The Wargame's co-creators - Sky's security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, and Rob Johnson, head of Oxford University's Changing Character of War Centre - as well as Keir Giles, a leading expert on the Russian military who portrays the Russian president in the simulation. You can listen to The Wargame here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4lHtW6x1D6R0E1QmGLkBK1 Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her keynote speech to the Labour Party annual conference in Liverpool. In an address where there were multiple standing ovations in the hall, she explained she won't take risks with the public finances and warned the UK will "face further tests, with the choices to come made all the harder by harsh global headwinds". But were there any significant policy announcements? And does the speech signal the choices she will make in November, when her autumn budget is widely expected to include tax rises. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's economics editor Ed Conway to discuss the most important points from the address and what it can tell us about the economy's direction of travel. Producer: Araminta Parker & Natalie Ktena Editor: Philly Beaumont
Sir Keir Starmer has only been prime minister for 16 months but already there are reports some Labour MPs want him out. The details that have emerged about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the Angela Rayner tax scandal and Labour's perceived lack of direction by some in the party have all put pressure on Sir Keir - with a growing number of MPs said to be feeling he has until May's local elections to turn things around. It's the biggest threat to his leadership so far and a somewhat familiar name is reportedly preparing to try and replace him. Allies of Andy Burnham – the “King in the North” who's currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester – have launched a new campaign group, Mainstream, calling on the government to introduce a wealth tax, nationalise utility companies and end the two-child benefit cap. Who is Andy Burnham and how plausible is it that he could replace Sir Keir? How fragile is the prime minister's position and what would a Labour leadership election look like? Niall Paterson is joined by Professor Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester and a senior fellow at UK in a Changing Europe. Producer: Natalie Ktena & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
Zack Polanski is the fresh face of the Green Party. He already sits on the London Assembly – the capital's elected body that scrutinises the activities of the Mayor. But he's got his eyes set on the Commons – with ambitions to join the four Green MPs already there.Polanski wants to offer a different approach to politics with policies that include a wealth tax on billionaires and renationalising water companies. And to be a threat to both Labour and Reform UK.To find out more about Polanski's ambitions, Niall Paterson is joined by Caroline Russell, Green leader of the London Assembly who has worked alongside him and backed his campaign, plus George Monaghan, commissioning editor at the New Statesman. Producer: Soila Apparicio
We give an insight into the UK's immigration system, following an Indian family who dreamed of a better life. They came to the UK on student and dependent visas – which the family say were obtained using fake documents.Niall Paterson is joined by communities correspondent Lisa Holland who has spoken to the family, to explore the serious questions about the checks and balances in place by the Home Office, as well as data and forensics journalist Joely Santa Cruz, who helps unpick the numbers.Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont
Islamic State is on the rise, once more a threat to the international community. Driven from its strongholds in Syria and Iraq, the terror group has been building a new base in the mountains of Somalia. Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford has visited the cave network where Somali authorities believe the ISIS resurgence began - funded by crime and cryptocurrency in a sophisticated twist to their terror regime. Alex joined Niall Paterson on The Daily to discuss what she discovered and what it means for the UK and beyond. You can watch the full documentary, Hunting for ISIS: A Warning From Africa, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdGr5uxqfak Producer: Olivia McGhie and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
Ukrainians are into their fourth year of fighting to defend their country from Russia, they have suffered huge casualties and are exhausted from the war effort. But does that mean they are willing to compromise to achieve a peace deal? And after President Zelenskyy's treatment in the Oval Office, do they think Donald Trump is the right man to negotiate their future? Niall Paterson speaks to Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about her hopes for the talks in Alaska and also to Kyiv-based journalist Peter Dickinson about what sort of peace deal Ukrainians would accept and what daily life is like for people there. Producer: Emily Hulme and Matt MusindiEditor: Wendy Parker
It's results time for 700,000 A-level and T-level students. It'll mean final decisions about their future – and whether university is the best option for their finances and their career. With the huge cost of a three or four-year course, squeezed graduate incomes and fast changes to the job market due to AI, is a degree worth it? Niall Paterson speaks to business and economics correspondent Paul Kelso about whether the cost of a degree outweighs its reward and just what has changed since Tony Blair vowed to get 50% of school-leavers going to university in 1999. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Paul Stanworth
Anas Al-Sharif was one of five journalists among seven people killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza City. The five worked for the broadcaster Al Jazeera. Israel says Sharif was the head of a Hamas cell but has only produced limited evidence about its claims. Al Jazeera rejected the accusations and said the strike was a "blatant" attack on press freedom. On this episode, Niall Paterson and Sky News international correspondent Diana Magnay look at Anas Al-Sharif's career, Israel's claims and the international condemnation of what happened. Producer: Natalie Ktena and Emily HulmeEditor: Paul Stanworth
Arthur Knight was an Irishman, wrongly arrested – he claimed – whilst recovering from a coma in a Glasgow hospital. Except “Arthur Knight” didn't exist. His real name is Nicholas Rossi – a convicted sex offender, originally from the United States, who is now facing trial in Utah on two further counts of rape. But for years, he attempted to convince Scottish authorities he was the victim of a wild conspiracy. Rossi's extradition hearing was covered at the time by Sky News' correspondent, James Matthews, who joins Niall Paterson on The Daily to relive those extraordinary events ahead of the start of his new trial. Producers: Emily Hulme and Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Mike Bovill Audio clip credits:NBC - Dateline“I am not Nicholas” Audible podcast
He's been warned against a full military occupation by 600 former Israeli military officials. But after 22 months of war, that's exactly what Benjamin Netanyahu wants. What would long-term occupation mean for Gazans, Israel, the Middle East and the world? What would it be like for those living in Gaza? Will the Israeli hostages be returned? And is there any other option in Netanyahu's eyes? Niall Paterson is joined on the Sky News Daily by a Palestinian aid worker in Gaza and Professor Yossi Mekelberg, senior consulting fellow for the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House. Producer: Alix Culbertson Editor: Mike Bovill
No evidence of bullying, misogyny or racism. On the face of it, good news for the Duke of Sussex. But there's still plenty of fallout from a very public row ignited by the woman still in charge of the charity set up by Harry in honour of his mother, that he's now walked away from. Earlier this year, Sentebale's chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka, used an interview with Sky News' Trevor Phillips to accuse Harry of "harassment and bullying at scale". The prince strenuously denied those claims and has now been cleared by the Charity Commission, which found no evidence to back up Dr Chandauka's accusations. However, it did find the internal - yet very public - dispute at Sentebale "severely impacted the charity's reputation". So, what next for Harry and the charity that was once so close to his heart? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills, to discuss the fallout. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Mike Bovill
The "King Kong" of weight loss drugs, Mounjaro, should finally be available on the NHS. So, why are thousands of patients still waiting for a treatment that could transform their lives? Mounjaro was meant to be rolled out across the NHS in England from 23 June for those with the highest clinical need. However, a Sky News investigation has found it is only available in eight out of 42 NHS integrated care boards, prompting accusations of a "postcode lottery". Many providers will not make it available until autumn, while nearly half of NHS boards said they will cap the number of people they treat due to a lack of funding. Our science and medical correspondent, Thomas Moore, joins Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily podcast as he investigates how the shortfall will cost the NHS and wider society. Gary, who weighs 25 stone (159kg) and has several obesity-related conditions, speaks to Thomas about the implications of being told Mounjaro is not available in his area. Producer: Emma-Rae Woodhouse and Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill
Incontinence and chronic pain are just some of the life-altering effects caused by heavy ketamine use – which is at record levels.The drug, used in clinical settings as an anaesthetic, sedative and pain reliever, can create hallucinations in users. But those who become addicted to ketamine also face severe bladder and kidney problems.As the government considers reclassifying ketamine to a Class A substance, Shingi Mararike, our North of England correspondent, has been speaking to people suffering life-changing health consequences, and the people trying to help them.He joins Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily to share more about the use of the drug.Plus, Dr Caroline Copeland, a senior lecturer in pharmacology and toxicology at King's College London and director of the National Programme on Substance Use Mortality, talks to Niall about why the discussion on ketamine needs to go beyond criminalisation.Information on drug abuse is available by calling Talk to Frank on 0300 123 6600, or online at talktofrank.com.Producers: Soila Apparicio, Araminta Parker Editor: Mike Bovill
33-year-old defender Lucy Bronze has been at the heart of the England team for over a decade, with 140 caps so far. She played a crucial role in helping the Lionesses win back-to-back European titles - somehow managing to play the entire tournament in Switzerland with a broken leg. Shirts with her name on the back are amongst the most commonly worn by England fans, a testament to her contribution to the growth of the women's game. On today's episode, Niall Paterson learns about Bronze's work ethic and the challenges she's overcome, with former teammate Lianne Sanderson and Sky News sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao. Producers: Soila Apparicio and Emily Hulme Editor: Wendy Parker
The doctors' union, the British Medical Association, is calling for a pay rise of 29.2% to reverse "pay erosion" since 2008/09. The government has offered 5.4%. In previous strikes, around 1.5 million appointments were cancelled or rescheduled, but this time hospitals have been told to cancel non-urgent work only in "exceptional circumstances". In today's episode, Niall Paterson talks to Sky's health correspondent Ashish Joshi about how the NHS will deal with the walkout and also to resident doctor Bhasha Mukherjee about why she voted for strike action. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Wendy Parker
Ozzy Osbourne made a musical genre. For millions of metal fans, Ozzy and Black Sabbath came up with the sound which influenced countless others. Heavy metal will always be linked with Birmingham – Ozzy's home city, where he returned to perform in early July. On this Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at how a working-class lad from Aston became a cultural icon and gave the city its own musical identity. Niall speaks to Sky News entertainment reporter Gemma Peplow who covered the "Back To Beginning" gig and to Jez Collins, a historian at the Birmingham Music Archive. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth
Warning: This episode contains themes of racism and homophobia which listeners may find upsetting. No gays, no Jews, and definitely no non-whites. It's messaging that reminds us of a segregated United States – a time that apparently ended in the 1960s. But a community in Arkansas, called Return to the Land, wants to establish a whites-only town, and think they have the legal standing to do so. The group says it's about freedom and community - but critics say it's “pure white supremacist rhetoric”. Tom Cheshire, our data and forensics' correspondent, went to visit this whites-only community in Arkansas, and joins host Niall Paterson to tell him about the people he met. Niall also speaks to Dr Heidi Beirich, an expert on the American and European far-right, about Return to the Land's ideology, and why white nationalism is on the rise in the US. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont
A critical review into England and Wales's broken water system has been released - and it says we are in the midst of the "Great Stink" of the 21st century. The report includes 88 recommendations - including a new single integrated regulator to replace existing water watchdogs, mandatory water metering, and a social tariff for vulnerable customers. In this episode, Niall Paterson asks Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso if after decades of ill-treatment, finally can new regulation bring our water back to health. Plus, the Consumer Council for Water's chief executive Mike Keil looks at whether public confidence in water can ever be restored. Producer: Emily Hulme and Emma Rae WoodhouseEditor: Philly Beaumont
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has been flagged as football's next superstar. At just 18-years-old, he has already helped Barcelona FC to success in the Spanish league LaLiga and played a pivotal role in his home nation's triumph at Euro 2024. He's also been awarded the No.10 jersey, previously worn by none-other-than Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho. But the early success has come at the cost of extreme scrutiny. Yamal's lavish 18th birthday celebrations were overshadowed by the threat of legal action from a disability activist group after a group of people with dwarfism were hired to entertain guests. Semra Hunter has been covering Spanish football for over 15 years, and joins host Niall Paterson to talk about Yamal's stellar career so far. Plus, expert in sport psychology Professor Andrew Lane discusses the impact of sports stardom on a person so young. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Soila Apparicio
The BBC breached its own editorial rules when it did not explain that a 13-year-old used to narrate a documentary about Gaza was, in fact, the son of a Hamas official. A review has found that the independent production company, Hoyo Films, bears most of the responsibility for what happened – but that BBC bosses should have had more oversight of the film. The corporation says it is taking action but, so far, nobody has lost their job.However, it is creating a new management role called 'Director of News Documentaries' as a result of the review. Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's correspondent Katie Spencer about the BBC's response – and former culture secretary John Whittingdale tells the podcast that he's concerned the corporation doesn't seem to learn from its mistakes. Producer: Emma Rae WoodhouseEditor: Mike Bovill
A government report has warned that the threat of physical attacks by Iran on people living in the UK has increased "significantly" since 2022. Iran rejects what they call, hostile allegations. Has the recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran changed the hierarchy in the Middle East and its attitude towards the West? On today's episode, Niall Paterson speaks to home editor Jason Farrell, who attended the briefing for the report. He then discusses Iran's current global ambitions with Professor Michael Clarke. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill