This Is Why

Sky News
This Is Why
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  • This Is Why

    Why Trump's oil boom is bad news for the UK

    07/05/2026 | 19 mins.
    The emergence of the United States as an energy superpower has reshaped the global economy. Good news for its allies, right? Well, not necessarily...
    In Texas, fracking has turned America from a major importer into the world's biggest energy producer, effectively creating "another Saudi Arabia" almost overnight.
    But as Europe looks to the US to plug the energy gap caused by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the reality on the ground is more complicated.
    Ed Conway, our economics and data editor, joins Niall to explore why the US can't simply ride to the rescue and what that means for the UK's energy security.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]
  • This Is Why

    Why the May elections matter

    06/05/2026 | 20 mins.
    Millions of people are preparing to head to the polls across Britain on Thursday.
    They'll be voting for thousands of local council seats in England - while people in Scotland and Wales will elect members of their respective devolved parliaments.
    But the results could have a huge impact on national politics. So, what happens to the prime minister if Labour loses as badly as expected? And does a good night for the Greens or Reform UK really mean they are banging on the door of Number 10?
    Niall previews what to expect at the polls with Cathy Newman - host of the Cathy Newman Show on Sky News from 7pm on Monday to Thursday.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]
  • This Is Why

    Why Estonia is on the front line of Putin's war with Europe

    05/05/2026 | 14 mins.
    It's the small Baltic state that's no stranger to being invaded - having been occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
    But while many hope it will never happen again, there are fears in NATO and beyond that Estonia is next on Vladimir Putin's hitlist.
    So how is the country preparing for the threat from Russia? And could Estonia really be on the front line of a future war in Europe?
    Niall is joined by the outgoing UK ambassador to Estonia, Ross Allen.
  • This Is Why

    Why the United Nations is no longer fit for purpose

    04/05/2026 | 20 mins.
    With conflicts continuing in Ukraine, Africa and the Middle East, the global economy being held to ransom and the old world order seemingly up-ended, is there any role left for the United Nations?
    Founded in the shadow of two world wars, the UN used to be considered the guardian of international law and order. But is it now little more than a toothless talking shop?
    Niall is joined by Sky News' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn to help answer a query from a listener on whether the United Nations still has any meaningful function in the modern world.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]
  • This Is Why

    Why is Anna Wintour the most powerful figure in fashion?

    01/05/2026 | 18 mins.
    As The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in cinemas, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour is back in the news – but who is she?
    The sequel to the 2006 film is widely perceived to be based on Ms Wintour's formidable and abrasive management style.
    However, the world of fashion and the magazines that follow it has changed a lot since then.
    So, has she maintained her grip and influence on the multibillion-dollar industry?
    Niall is joined by Paula Froelich, senior story producer and on-air contributor for NewsNation, to discuss her life and career.

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About 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. This Is Why is a Sky News podcast – if you have a question, contact us: [email protected]
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