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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 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
  • Why British waters are less safe under defence drone plans
    Jun 29 2026

    Drones in, destroyers out. The Royal Navy looks set to be the biggest losers when the Defence Investment Plan is finally published.

    Instead of building a new fleet of state-of-the-art warships, we will have to rely on cheaper ‘common combat vessels’ to serve as hubs for a hybrid response to the threat from Russia.

    How will the change in military spending be received when Sir Keir Starmer makes his international swansong as prime minister at the NATO summit? And could he really be the next NATO secretary general, despite a mixed record on defence readiness?

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

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

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    15 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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