This Is Why

Episodes

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  Why there are concerns over Sir Ranulph Fiennes' health 02.10.2026 23m

  The sister-in-law of the 82-year-old explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes travelled from her home abroad to check into a care home where his friends believed he was staying. She managed to meet him and told Sky News how delighted he was to see her. It was a rare visit as his friends and family continue to raise concerns that they are being blocked from seeing him. Cheshire Police though have said "no immediate safeguarding concerns have been identified at this time". Niall Paterson spoke to Arabella Pepper, who is the sister of Sir Ranulph's first wife, about that visit last year. He also spoke to friend and fellow explorer Sir David Hempleman-Adams about Sir Ranulph's achievements. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]
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  Why do Man City think they can get away with it? 01.10.2026 20m

  Guilty. The damning verdict in favour of the Premier League against one of its most successful clubs – Manchester City.The case concerned more than a hundred charges – from disguised funding to misleading accounts – with possible consequences ranging from points deductions to expulsion from the Premier League.But rather than backing down, the club has come out fighting – insisting an independent commission got it wrong and vowing to appeal.With City standing firm and the punishment still undecided, there could be a long way to go before the final whistle.Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s sports correspondent Rob Harris, who has been following the case and putting questions to the club’s most senior figures for more than a decade.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why is Trump pulling troops out of Iraq (while at war with Iran)? 30.09.2026 18m

  Since the fall of Saddam Hussein more than two decades ago, the US has had a near-continuous military presence in Iraq... until now.The last troops have been withdrawn, ending a process started by Joe Biden and endorsed by Donald Trump. But the timing of the departure has been questioned - with the US still at war with Iran.According to Iraqi security experts, the withdrawal could give Tehran and its proxies free rein, while also risking a comeback from the Islamic State terror group.So, why have Americans decided to leave Iraq now? And what will it mean for the future of the country - and stability of the wider region?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Robert Clark, who served in the British military in Iraq and Afghanistan.There is more exclusive analysis and content on the conflict in the Middle East on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.Download and subscribe here. Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.
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  Why reforming the pension triple lock is ‘electoral suicide’ 29.09.2026 15m

  It’s long been seen as politically untouchable – but Andy Burnham has finally fired the starting gun on reforms to the state pension triple lock.First brought in by David Cameron’s coalition government, the measure of increasing pension payments by the higher of inflation, average wage rises or 2.5% a year was introduced to offset years of underfunding.But the new prime minister has used his first party conference speech as Labour leader to put the triple lock on the negotiating table – against the wishes of the unions, opposition parties and plenty of his own supporters.So, how does the triple lock work and what could take its place? What is the cost to the country and is reforming the system as straightforward as it appears?Niall Paterson is joined by Claire Moffat, a pension and tax expert at Royal London.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why the RAF Fairford 'plot' doesn’t add up 28.09.2026 16m

  Who are you more likely to believe, Donald Trump or a farmer from the Cotswolds?Five UK nationals have been arrested on suspicion of explosives and terrorism offences after a major incident was declared at an RAF airbase in Gloucestershire over the weekend.But they were later released on bail, as counter-terror police remain “open-minded” about whether the incident is linked to a foreign state such as Iran.So, why did the US president claim the group had been “under investigation” for a long time – while a local resident insists she was the one who alerted the police after spotting a group of masked men?What do we know about this investigation? And what does it tell us about how the UK is being targeted by proxies?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s home affairs editor Jason Farrell.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why is Ed Sheeran fighting for his reputation? 25.09.2026 17m

  Ed Sheeran is used to thousands of people singing his songs back at him. But last week, he found himself addressing his audience in a very different way.After Macklemore left Sheeran’s tour following his comments about the war in Gaza, other performers on the bill also pulled out. Sheeran returned to the stage in Philadelphia. Looking visibly upset, he addressed the crowd and apologised.But for a singer who has built his career on being the ‘nice guy’, can Ed Sheeran come back from this? Or has this controversy permanently damaged the image he’s spent years building?Niall Paterson is joined by musician and journalist John Robb.John’s memoir Punk Rock Ruined My Life is available to buy now.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why is Diana book still on sale despite Piers Morgan mistake? 24.09.2026 18m

  Recollection may vary, but the facts do not. That’s something that was lost on Princess Diana’s brother in his new book about his sister’s life - which managed to squeeze in a mistake about Piers Morgan amongst its bombshell claims about the King. The former Daily Mirror editor is now suing Earl Spencer and calling for the book to be pulped. So, what checks take place when a memoir is written? And why does the format allow people to publish unproven claims? Niall is joined by the journalist Helen Brown, who writes about culture for The Telegraph. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Three reasons AI could ‘save us all’: This is why 23.09.2026 21m

  There’s nothing like the warning of an AI apocalypse to ease you out of summer - but as they say, every cloud has a silver lining.Of course, we can’t rule out artificial intelligence one day doing the unthinkable, as many experts have politely warned, but there are also reasons to believe it could actually save the human race.From breakthroughs in healthcare to helping tackle climate change, this episode explores how small steps for AI could bring about giant leaps for mankind.Niall Paterson reveals the reasons to be cheerful with Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke.For a different view on the dangers of AI, you can watch our episode with Rowland Manthorpe here.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]
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  Why is Andy Burnham giving military support to Saudi Arabia? 22.09.2026 16m

  It's been a busy week already for Andy Burnham - who approved his first military intervention as prime minister just hours before his inaugural meeting with Donald Trump.The RAF will now provide Saudi Arabia with "purely defensive" air support against attacks from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, after Burnham agreed to Riyadh’s request.The Saudis had earlier been turned down by Trump – so why is the new PM so happy to help? And is it really due to cost-of-living pressures as he claims?Niall Paterson is joined by Dr H A Hellyer, an expert in geopolitics across the Middle East and Europe and a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence.There is more exclusive content on the situation in the Middle East on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.Download and subscribe here. Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why TV’s The Wargame exposes some uncomfortable truths 21.09.2026 19m

  The new Sky Original TV series The Wargame imagines a terrifying situation – and not just because Michael Gove is prime minister.Vladimir Putin and Russia haven’t yet launched a military attack on UK soil, but the threat is rising.That’s why the show picks a fantasy crisis team of real-life former ministers and ex-military chiefs to see how they might respond to such a potential attack.So, what does The Wargame tell us about the UK’s readiness for all-out Russian aggression?Niall Paterson is joined by the former Labour adviser Baroness Hazarika, who plays the government’s director of communications in the programme.The Wargame, available on Sky and Now, is based on the hugely successful Sky News podcast of the same name. You can find the podcast series here.
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  Why Diana’s brother is making bombshell claims about the King 18.09.2026 17m

  Lots of people have fallen out with their brother-in-law over the years - but it’s perhaps never been as explosive as the row between the King and Earl Spencer.In the latest royal drama involving the House of Windsor, the Palace has hit back at claims made by Princess Diana’s younger brother in a new book about his sister.Among them is that the King was “giddily elated” after Diana’s death. So, what else is in Earl Spencer’s memoir and why is he making these bombshell allegations now?Niall is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock.Since recording this episode, Earl Spencer has told the BBC that he is 'telling the truth' about a phone conversation he had with the King after Diana's death.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected] credit: BBCThis episode contains reference to suicide. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.Earlier this week, Niall interviewed Britain's most senior military official about why he believes this is the most dangerous moment for the UK in his 35-year career. Scroll back on your feed to find the episode.
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  Why Canada courting the EU isn’t great news for Great Britain 17.09.2026 16m

  Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is looking for closer ties with Europe – but could an “associate” membership with the EU push the UK to the back of the queue?Addressing the European Parliament, Carney welcomed the idea of forming a partnership, which could potentially give Canada closer ties on trade, defence, and technology.The country is keen to strengthen its ties beyond the USA – with Donald Trump still intent on a punishing trade war. But what are the implications for the UK, as relations with Brussels continue to stall?What would associate membership mean? And could Canada become a blueprint for other countries?Niall Paterson speaks to director of the UK in a Changing Europe, Anand Menon.
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  Chief of Defence Staff: Why this is the UK’s ‘most dangerous moment’ 16.09.2026 30m

  The country is under threat. Russian aggression, war in the Middle East and a military which has been ‘hollowed out’ for decades have all led to a crisis point for the United Kingdom.In a special episode of This Is Why, Britain’s most senior military official has explained why he believes this is the most dangerous moment in his 35-year career.In a wide-ranging interview with Niall Paterson, the Chief of the Defence Staff – Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton – has also revealed:How John Healey’s resignation as defence secretary took him by surpriseThe battle for more military spending, and what to do with the moneyWhy it’s vital to have an honest conversation about national resilienceThere is more exclusive content with Sir Richard Knighton on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.Download and subscribe here.Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why the Thirlwall Inquiry isn’t the last word on Lucy Letby 15.09.2026 17m

  The case of Britain’s most prolific child killer has gripped the nation ever since Lucy Letby’s trial began in October 2022.The former neonatal nurse was later convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.Now, a public inquiry has found some of those deaths could have been avoided if safeguarding action had been taken to remove her from the ward. So, what else did the report find and what action might the hospital face?Niall Paterson and Sky’s chief North of England correspondent, Greg Milam, also discuss whether the findings will support the cause of those who believe Letby is innocent.
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  Why has Donald Trump called for Irish reunification? 14.09.2026 19m

  It was a hole-in-one for the republican cause – the US president using a trip to his golf course in County Clare to lend his weight to the fight for a united Ireland. The timing couldn’t have been better for the first ministers of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as they met to discuss further cooperation in the campaign for independence. But despite Donald Trump’s insistence that he would “love to see” a united Ireland – even if that means the break-up of the United Kingdom – Westminster should not worry just yet. Niall Paterson has been speaking to Sky’s Ireland correspondent, Stephen Murphy, about why there is not as much of an appetite on either side of the Irish border for reunification as you might expect. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why 9/11 has turned toxic for Rudy Giuliani and Zohran Mamdani 11.09.2026 19m

  As America marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, a row has erupted between the man who led New York through its darkest moments and the city’s current mayor.Rudy Giuliani became the face of New York’s resilience following the fall of the Twin Towers, but he warned Zohran Mamdani to stay away from official memorial events.Mamdani, the city’s first ever Muslim mayor, ignored his predecessor advice – despite being compared by Giuliani to the al Qaeda terrorists who carried out the 9/11 atrocities.Is Giuliani’s ire racially motivated? What brought about the former Trump ally’s own fall from grace? And what have native New Yorkers made of Mamdani’s time in charge?Niall Paterson is joined by Niall Stanage, White House columnist at The Hill.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Experts warn AI could ‘kill us all’: This is why 10.09.2026 20m

  Don’t worry, AI’s not preparing to wipe out humanity with a Terminator-style nuclear Armageddon – that's just not its style. But could it develop a virus that does the job instead? Well, that seems more of a possibility.... And speaking of odds, both former and current employees of tech giant Anthropic put the chances of AI ending all human life at roughly 10 percent. They only differ on the timescale. With seemingly no end to the breathtaking pace of development, is it too late for governments to intervene? And as experts increasingly acknowledge AI could cause existential change, how exactly could that happen? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s technology correspondent, Rowland Manthorpe. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why does air traffic control keep failing? 09.09.2026 16m

  Less up, up and away... more stuck on the tarmac. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and thousands of passengers stranded after yet another critical collapse of the country’s air traffic control system.While a cyber-attack has been ruled out, it’s still the third time in four years severe disruption has affected airlines and travellers because of problems at NATS – a public-private partnership and the UK’s leading provider of air traffic control services.Why do these issues keep happening? Should the government intervene? And is it only a matter of time before passenger safety is compromised?Niall Paterson speaks to aviation expert and former air traffic controller, Doug Maclean.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why are NHS staff targeting terror attack victims? 08.09.2026 21m

  Imagine your child has been the victim of a terror attack. Then imagine the most intimate details of their injuries being viewed and shared without your permission or knowledge.A Sky News and Health Service Journal investigation has uncovered the extent to which NHS staff are accessing patients’ medical records.High profile cases include the victims of the Nottingham and Southport attacks. But information was also accessed to carry out coercive control and domestic abuse.Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s health correspondent, Ashish Joshi, and Zoe Tidman – senior correspondent for the Health Service Journal.NHS England has issued a response to the investigation, saying: “All NHS trusts are required to maintain audit logs of access to patient information as well as having controls in place to prevent and identify unauthorised access – and must take action in cases where staff have abused the trust of patients by accessing personal records without good reason.”Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]
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  Why anti-migrant protests are getting more ‘professional’ 07.09.2026 19m

  We have become used to seeing protests against small boat arrivals in the UK, but the speed and size of those in Dover and Portsmouth over the weekend felt like something new.The demonstrations were led by a group founded by Daniel Thomas - a friend of far-right activist Tommy Robinson - who described the protests as "only the beginning".Local authorities were seemingly caught out by events. So, will we now see more similar demonstrations? And what can the police do?Gareth Barlow is joined by Sky's Data and Forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire.Have you got a question for This is Why? Email us: [email protected]