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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
The public inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal has published its first report into what went wrong and how the victims should be properly compensated. The inquiry's chair, Sir Wyn Williams, has found that at least 13 postmasters may have taken their own lives after being accused of wrongdoing based on evidence from the Horizon IT system which both the Post Office and its maker, Fujitsu, knew could be false. In today's episode Niall Paterson speaks to our business correspondent Paul Kelso about just how damning these findings are and also to former postmistress Janet Skinner who was sent to prison after wrongly being accused of stealing £59,000. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK. Producer: Soila ApparicioEditor: Wendy Parker
The 32 members of the NATO alliance are in the Netherlands for a summit that has been overshadowed by efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. World leaders are being encouraged to set a goal to spend 5% of their GDP on defence by 2035. US President Donald Trump has pushed for that target, but does he have a plan on what's next for NATO? On today's episode, Niall Paterson is joined by Security and Defence Editor Deborah Haynes who is at The Hague with a front row seat to the meeting. This episode contains bad language.Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Rosie Gillot
The government is threatening to take former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich to court over the proceeds of the sale of the club. Three years after being sanctioned for the oligarch's links to the Russian president, £2.5bn remains frozen in a bank account. The funds are earmarked for Ukrainian aid, but where will they end up? In today's episode, Niall Paterson talks to the financier and author Bill Bowder and Sky's sports correspondent Rob Harris about how Abramovich went from orphan to oligarch and where sanctions leave him today. Lawyers for Abramovich did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Producer: Gabriel Radus and Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont
The chancellor presents the spending review next week where she will outline how the budget will be divided for government departments between 2026 and 2029. Rachel Reeves says she has an extra £113bn of capital to play with. But with so many promises and projects dependent on the cash, how does she decide who will win and who will lose? On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky News' deputy political editor, Sam Coates, who has used AI to predict how the chancellor might spend the cash. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Rosie Gillot
The Home Office says the doubling of good weather days this year compared to the start of 2024 "coincides with small boat arrivals being 46% higher" - but research by Sky's Data and Forensics team shows a rise in crossings during bad weather as well. On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky News' political correspondent Ali Fortescue and senior data journalist Daniel Dunford to assess what the new data tells us about how well the government's plans to tackle small boat crossings are working and what they've learnt about how the smuggling gangs are adapting. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Wendy Parker
The prime minister has launched a 10-year Strategic Defence Review setting out how Britain will operate in an ever-more worrying geopolitical environment. Sir Keir Starmer says "every citizen has a role to play" in "defence of the realm", but do we know what kind of war we're preparing for? On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's defence editor Deborah Haynes and military analyst Michael Clarke to discuss whether the defence review meets the mark. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont
Emmanuel Macron has played down a video of him being pushed in the face by his wife Brigitte, as the couple prepared to leave their plane to begin their tour of South East Asia. The French president said he was just joking with the first lady and the incident was "nothing". But the footage has put the pair and their relationship in the global spotlight. In today's episode, Niall Paterson talks to France 24's international affairs editor, Philip Turle, about who Brigitte Macron is, how the couple are viewed in France and the online rumours that have dogged them. Producer: Emily Hulme and Gabriel Radus Editor: Wendy Parker
Israel has authorised 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, including legalising unauthorised outposts.Such settlements are considered illegal under international law - a designation Israel disputes.There's nothing new about settlements, they've been popping up in the area since 1967. But since the Hamas attack on 7 October, tensions have intensified.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by our international correspondent Alex Rossi and producer Orly Halpern, who have visited the Palestinian village of Ras al-Ayn, where activists on the ground have reported a surge in violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers aimed at driving Palestinian families from their homes.Editor: Philly BeaumontProducer: Jada Kai Meosa John
Donald Trump put his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa on the spot during his visit to the Oval Office this week with a list of claims about the deaths of white farmers - claims which Mr Ramaphosa countered and put into context. On today's Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Richard Calland, a British-South African political analyst and author of The Presidents, From Mandela to Ramaphosa, to discuss exactly who Mr Ramaphosa is and how he will lead his country when it's in the cross hairs of the Trump administration. Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker
The government says it will accept the majority of the recommendations in the report it commissioned into jail sentences. The independent review, led by ex-Conservative justice secretary David Gauke, looked at how to reduce the prison population by 2028. One of its key proposals would see well-behaved inmates only serve a third of their sentences. It would include sex offenders who had agreed to chemical castration. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to political correspondent Liz Bates about what is in the plans and what the political ramifications may be for Labour. Plus, Professor Belinda Winder, who has been evaluating the government's chemical castration pilot, explains what the process involves and how effective it is. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker
Israel has stopped aid from going into Gaza for the past 11 weeks - a blockade that Sir Keir Starmer has called "indefensible". It allowed a limited amount of aid into the enclave this week in response to global concern but the move was criticised as "wholly inadequate". As some of Israel's allies in Europe and North America seem to be running out of patience with Israel, could this be a tipping point in the war in Gaza? Niall Paterson is joined by our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall to discuss the crisis in Gaza, and the international response. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Wendy Parker