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This Is Why

This Is Why

By: Sky News
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About this listen

 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 Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Why Cuba is collapsing under Trump’s blockade

    Why Cuba is collapsing under Trump’s blockade
    Apr 20 2026

    First it was Venezuela, then Iran. Is Cuba next on Donald Trump's hit list?

    The US navy has been anchored off the Caribbean coast since the start of the year, preventing supplies of oil and food from the outside world.

    As a consequence, the island has been brought to its knees - with electrical blackouts, food rationing and fears for the future.

    Sky News chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay joins Niall to discuss life under the blockade in Havana and what fate awaits the nation, as President Trump threatens military intervention.

    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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    19 mins
  • Is Olly Robbins the Mandelson scapegoat?

    Is Olly Robbins the Mandelson scapegoat?
    Apr 17 2026

    Top civil servant Olly Robbins has been sacked after his department did not inform the prime minister that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting for the role of US ambassador.

    Opposition parties are calling on the prime minister to resign but Sir Keir Starmer is insisting he wasn’t told, in an "unforgivable" omission.

    He's due to speak to MPs in parliament on Monday, and address the accusations he misled them over the process of Mandelson’s appointment.

    But who is Olly Robbins, the man who has lost his job over the latest Mandelson revelation and is he being used as a fall guy? And how toxic will the row be for Sir Keir?

    Niall talks to hosts of fellow Sky podcast Politics at Sam and Anne’s, Anne McElvoy, executive editor at Politico and Sky’s deputy political editor, Sam Coates.

    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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    16 mins
  • Why the era of Saudi “sportswashing” could be over

    Why the era of Saudi “sportswashing” could be over
    Apr 16 2026

    A multi-billion-dollar Saudi-backed golf tour is reportedly close to collapse – so could this spell an end to the Gulf state’s interest in sport?

    The controversial LIV Golf Tour is just one strand of the Saudis’ sporting portfolio.

    Footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo plays there, while the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) also owns English Premier League team, Newcastle United.

    But the PIF - which has plunged $5b into the LIV project - has a new five-year economic strategy that includes no mention of sport. Having been accused of using sport as a political tool to legitimise the Saudi regime, what led to this apparent change of strategy?

    Sky News’ sports correspondent Rob Harris joins Niall to discuss what it means for the future of Saudi sport.

    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk
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    17 mins
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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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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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