• 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 is Sky buying the home of Coronation Street?
    Jul 6 2026

    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

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    19 mins
  • Why has Nigel Farage resigned as an MP?
    Jul 7 2026

    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

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    19 mins
  • Why Donald Trump says the Iran ceasefire is over
    Jul 8 2026

    The US and Iran are trading strikes again as Donald Trump turns to his weapon of choice - sitting down at press conferences and calling people names.

    America’s insulter-in-chief has used a NATO summit to say Iran are “sick people" and "scum" and that the ceasefire is now "over”.

    It was a fragile agreement that has broken down after tankers were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz - so who is to blame for the latest violence? What next for the ceasefire and could we soon see a return to all-out war?

    Niall is joined by Sky’s military analyst Michael Clarke.

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    18 mins
  • Why Harry’s legal loss leaves him at a crossroads
    Jul 9 2026

    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.

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    18 mins
  • Daddy diplomacy: Why NATO's Mark Rutte remains the Trump whisperer
    Jul 10 2026

    Mark Rutte has spent years quietly building a reputation as one of Europe's most effective political operators. Now, as NATO secretary general, he's trying to keep the world's most powerful military alliance together at a time of growing global uncertainty.

    So, who is Mark Rutte? Niall looks at the leadership style that's defined his career, how he's navigating some of the biggest challenges facing NATO, and why his ability to build relationships could shape the alliance's future.

    With insight from Royal United Services Institute director general Rachel Ellehuus, we explore what makes Rutte tick, and what his leadership could mean for the years ahead.

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

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    22 mins
  • Why Burnham’s housebuilding boom is doomed
    Jun 30 2026

    Every prime minister promises ambitious plans to build new homes – every prime minister in more than half a century has failed. Andy Burnham says he’ll be different.

    The former Manchester mayor is on the verge of becoming the new tenant in Number 10 and wants to oversee the biggest council house construction programme since the post-war boom.

    But you have to go back to 1970 for the last time any government fulfilled its housebuilding target. So why is Mr Burnham so sure he can succeed where his predecessors have failed?

    Mhari Aurora speaks to David Byers, deputy property editor at The Times and Sunday Times.

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

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    18 mins