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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 Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Why Belfast’s troubled past made violence inevitable
    Jun 10 2026

    The riots which brought mass disorder to the streets of Belfast on Tuesday night weren’t just a reaction to a brutal stabbing in the city the night before.

    According to Professor Ian Acheson, they were also an expression of the rage and anger felt by a divided community ignored by politicians and policy makers.

    The violence has been rightly condemned after houses were set alight and police cars attacked.

    But Professor Acheson – an expert in counter extremism – argues it shouldn’t come as any surprise that tensions over migration and social deprivation have once again boiled over.

    Mhari Aurora spoke to the author and journalist.

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    15 mins
  • Why the UK has fallen behind on drone warfare
    Jun 9 2026

    Swindon. The epicentre of the global drone industry? As unlikely as it might seem, the Wiltshire town could soon be just that.

    But instead of taking advantage of the cutting-edge weaponry being developed in the area, the UK is falling behind in the deployment of this potentially decisive technology.

    Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have shown just how vital drones are in modern warfare – used as they are to such brutal effect on the front line.

    But while the US and Ukraine are buying British, the Ministry of Defence has yet to commit to large-scale investment in our own drone capabilities.

    So, why is the UK dragging its feet? And how vulnerable does that leave the country at this time of increased global volatility?

    Mhari Aurora speaks to Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes.

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

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    16 mins
  • Why Trump and Netanyahu are split on Iran
    Jun 8 2026

    After Israel launched strikes on Iran for the first time since April – against US wishes – are the cracks beginning to show between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu?

    The episode is another sign of the growing friction between the US and Israeli leaders, following reports of heated disagreements behind closed doors.

    Is Washington’s influence over Israel starting to wane? And as Netanyahu ramps up his military ambitions in the Middle East, who is really calling the shots when it comes to the Iran war?

    Jonathan Samuels speaks to Sky’s Middle East Correspondent Adam Parsons in Jerusalem.

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

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    17 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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