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This Is Why

Sky News
This Is Why
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  • This Is Why

    Why has Zelenskyy sacked Ukraine’s most senior defence figures?

    2026/07/22 | 19 mins.
    It's not just Andy Burnham who's been purging politicians from government.
    There's a wartime power struggle in Ukraine, where Volodymyr Zelenskyy ousted his top army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi – before trying to bring the country's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov back into government, just days after dismissing him.
    The sacking of Fedorov led to almost a week of nationwide unrest and represents one of the biggest political crises since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
    So, what does all this mean for Ukraine's ongoing struggle for survival? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
  • This Is Why

    Why John Healey’s choices as chancellor will make or break Burnham

    2026/07/21 | 17 mins.
    Everybody needs good neighbours. And on the day Andy Burnham moved into 10 Downing Street, he installed a surprise choice next door at Number 11.
    John Healey was highly critical of the Treasury when he quit as defence secretary last month, accusing it of being “unwilling” to provide the cash needed to fully fund his spending plans.
    Now he’s the one who will have to put his money where his mouth is as the new chancellor. So, what challenges does he face and will he be able to find the cash Rachel Reeves supposedly couldn’t?
    Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.
  • This Is Why

    Why Burnham’s first 100 days will define his leadership

    2026/07/20 | 17 mins.
    "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." Mike Tyson's infamous warning for his opponents could easily apply to the new occupant of Number 10.
    Giving his first speech outside Downing Street, the new prime minister hinted at what his priorities will be – from easing the cost-of-living crisis to keeping commitments on defence spending.
    But what happens when those plans make contact with reality? Can Mr Burnham's "Manchesterism" work on a national level? And will international events interfere with his domestic agenda?
    Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig to assess what might happen in his first few weeks and months in office.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
  • This Is Why

    Why it’s third time lucky for Labour leader Andy Burnham

    2026/07/17 | 22 mins.
    Cabinet minister, Manchester mayor, ‘King of the North’ - Andy Burnham has held plenty of positions during his political career. But the next will be by far the most significant.
    The Makerfield MP is poised to take over as prime minister on Monday, after finally succeeding at his third attempt to become Labour leader.
    But who is the man behind the former Blair-era minister turned mayor of Manchester? How did his upbringing shape him and what underpins his politics?
    Niall is joined by chief political correspondent of The Times, Aubrey Allegretti.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
  • This Is Why

    Why nationalisation could be Burnham’s big gamble

    2026/07/16 | 16 mins.
    It’s coming home.... British Steel will once again be, well, British after it was renationalised to “protect the future of steel production in the UK” - and that could be just the start.
    Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham has described water, energy, transport and housing as the “essentials of life” that should be run principally in the public, rather than private, interest.
    But can nationalisation solve the fundamental issues privatisation was meant to solve? And if Burnham does deliver more services back into public ownership, what would be the trade-offs and ultimately the cost?
    Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.
    Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk
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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: why@sky.uk
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