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This Is Why

This Is Why

By: Sky News
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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. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: why@sky.ukCopyright Sky News Daily Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Why Trump’s Iran war is finally costing UK households
    Jul 1 2026

    Whether you’ve been enjoying or enduring the summer heatwave, running that new air-con unit has just got a whole lot more expensive.

    For millions of people across England, Scotland and Wales the cost of household energy has soared by 13% from the 1 July – following the latest rise in the energy price cap.

    The war in Iran is largely to blame, thanks to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent spike in oil and gas prices.

    But Donald Trump’s military action began at the end of February, so why are we only beginning to feel the impact now? How long will the current high prices persist and are there any tricks for reducing those domestic bills?

    Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky’s business news reporter James Sillars.

    Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: why@sky.uk

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    14 mins
  • Why grooming gang ringleader cannot be deported
    Jul 2 2026

    He’s a convicted child rapist who’s been stripped of his British citizenship. But the ringleader of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang – released from jail this week – cannot be removed from the UK.

    Shabir Ahmed was sentenced in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12. But provisions in the Immigration Act 1971 mean he is safe from deportation.

    Politicians from all parties – including prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham – are calling on the Home Office to take action. But what legally can be done? And how does the law actually work?

    Niall is joined by lawyer, journalist and legal affairs commentator Joshua Rozenberg.

    Warning: today’s episode contains references to grooming gangs, rape, sexual abuse and coercive control.

    If you have been affected by any of the issues Joshua and Niall discussed you can call The Samaritans, free of charge, on 116 123.

    Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

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    21 mins
  • Why Burnham could be getting the Milibands back together
    Jul 3 2026

    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.

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    22 mins
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I watched the coverage on tv by Stuart and couldn’t believe what we were seeing. Words are inadequate & I find it hard to understand how we have come to this dire situation. I cannot praise the filming team enough for risking their own safety to making sure the world knows how horrendous the real situation is It was hard to watch and I have been moved to tears by the broadcasts & can only imagine how they must all be processing this. The filming was outstanding on every level & clearly amazing teamwork. I’ve never listened to a podcast before so thank you for inspiring me to find & listen to the extra story behind the scenes.

Outstanding coverage

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I'm cutting down on my TV consumption and this podcast really keeps me in the loop. it's also really high quility. 5 stars from me!

Really good podcast

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