Episodes
Labour are celebrating big wins in the Blackpool South by-election, in the local elections and in most of the mayoral races that have declared so far. The Conservatives could lose up to 500 councillors, though their candidate Ben Houchen did hold on to his role as mayor of Tees Valley. A win which gave the prime minister something to be pleased about and will probably help him keep his job for now. But are these grim results for the Tories enough to see Labour winning the next election? Sky News's projection is that it won't be. They will be the largest party but short of an overall majo...
Thousands of fans have been left frustrated after Manchester’s newest venue delayed its launch again after a string of technical problems.The Co-op Live arena will be the UK’s largest indoor arena accommodating 23,500 people at a cost of £365m - but it’s yet to officially open its doors, cancelling tours from Peter Kay, Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s chief North of England correspondent Greg Milam to find out what is behind the delays as well as Pauline Forster, landlady at a gig venue, which has launched several celebrity car...
Violent protests over the Israel-Hamas war have reached boiling point across university campuses in the United States.Pro-Palestinian protesters are demanding their universities cut ties with Israel or any companies that support its ongoing war in Gaza.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson gets eyewitness analysis from US correspondent Mark Stone in George Washington University. They discuss the arrests, tear gas and counter-protest violence that is taking over universities. Plus, Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, a historian at the University of New Orleans and author of ‘Resistance from the Right:...
The King has returned to official public duties for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer. Alongside the Queen, he visited a cancer treatment centre to meet staff and patients as part of his new role as patron of Cancer Research UK.Sources have stressed that despite his return to public engagements, the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills and NBC royal commentator Daisy McAndrew to discuss how the Palace has managed this turbulent p...
Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has resigned – days after he cut the SNP's power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. It followed a bitter row over the SNP's climbdown on climate targets as he said the agreement between the parties had "served its purpose". As a result, his former Green allies teamed up with the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats to get behind two no-confidence motions, one in himself as leader of Scotland and another regarding the entire Scottish government. Now – attention turns to another SNP leadership contest and what the divisions in Scottish p...
The 2 May local elections will have more than 2,600 seats are at stake across 107 English councils. Labour’s Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 city mayors up for re-election. Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election. With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates to di...
Labour have promised to renationalise nearly all passenger railways within their first term if they win the next election. But will it leave the railways better off? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's political correspondent Sam Coates to discuss the details of Labour's plan and assess if a Great British Railway would be more efficient and cost-effective than the current privatised system. Niall also speaks to the editor of Rail magazine, Nigel Harris, to discuss the current state of our railways and what he believes needs to change. Elsewhere in politics, the Scottish...
Only two months ago Joe Biden joined the social media platform TikTok with a video captioned "lol hey guys". Now, the US president is poised to sign a bill that could ban the popular app - unless its parent company sells it. The country is concerned that TikTok's owner, Beijing-based tech firm ByteDance, could be forced by Chinese authorities to hand over the user data of almost 170 million American app users. On this episode, Niall Paterson unpicks the possible ban with Arthi Nachiappan, our technology correspondent. Plus, Chris Stokel-Walker, author of TikTok Boom: China's Dynamite ...
After months of parliamentary ping-pong between the House of Commons and the Lords, Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill has passed. The prime minister called it a "landmark" law, saying that "nothing will stand in our way" of getting flights off the ground within 10 to 12 weeks. However, the scheme could face yet more hurdles, with the potential for it to be held up by challenges in court. On this episode, Matt Barbet takes stock of the bill with Adam Parsons, Sky's Europe editor in France, who has been watching migrant boats cross the English Channel even after the bill's passing. Sky's com...
As the first of Donald Trump's four criminal trials begins this week, will it have any effect on his chances of re-election in November? The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. He is accused of falsifying internal business records as part of an alleged scheme to bury stories that he thought might hurt his presidential campaign in 2016. With all eyes on the New York courtroom, Daily host Matt Barbet speaks to US correspondent James Matthews from outside the first trial Trump will face this year... plu...
An Israeli missile has struck Iran, in response to the unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend by the Iranians. It seems an airfield outside of the city of Isfahan was targeted, but Tehran has played down the incident and has indicated it has no plans to retaliate. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell to find out what exactly happened in the latest attack and what it says about Israel's and Iran's respective military strengths. Plus, Niall is also joined by Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to analyse wh...
Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people". Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also allege he used campaign funds to pay his personal medical bills. On the Conservatives' investigation into the claims, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News: "There's further information that the Chief Whip I understand became familiar with yesterday and actions being swiftly taken on the basis of that further information."I think it is important to stress that the MP in q...
The price of everyday things - mainly food - is now rising at the lowest level since 2021. Official data shows inflation eased last month to 3.2% - down from 3.4% - but the fall was slightly less than economists expected. On the Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what's going on with inflation and what it might mean for interest rates with Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway - who's in the US looking at the situation there. They also discuss how the UK could be importing inflation from America. Plus, Niall talks to Russ Mould, investment director at finance firm AJ Bell, about what's h...
'Absolutely nuts' was how former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Rishi Sunak’s plan to gradually phase out smoking – banning anyone born since the start of 2009 from ever being able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products like vapes. Liz Truss, who was also briefly prime minister in-between the two men, is also among some critical of the proposal – which she described as 'profoundly unconservative'. Tories are being given a free vote in the Commons – allowing them to vote with their conscience, not necessarily the government. But will the policy create a smokefree generation? ...
Military experts have called Iran's ariel attack on Israel on Saturday night 'ambitious' and warn it could push an already fragile region into a dangerous new phase. On the Sky News Daily, host Matt Barbet examines how Iran and Israel's 'shadow war' has moved out into the open, alongside defence and security analyst Michael Clarke. Matt is also joined by Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian, affiliated lecturer in international relations of the Middle East at the University of Cambridge, to examine what Iran was really trying to achieve from its attack.Producer: Rosie Gillott Podcast Promotions Produ...
On Saturday night Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel, which Tehran has claimed is in retaliation for an attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus by Israel on 1 April. Some 170 explosive drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles were launched by Iran, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), who said "99%" were intercepted. Leaders across the world have condemned the attack and stated their support for Israel’s security. However, Iran's foreign ministry said they would "not hesitate" to take "further defens...
Ex-armed forces minister James Heappey has told Sky's defence and security editor Deborah Haynes the UK should consider sending its forces to Ukraine to train troops. On the Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire talks to her and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke about the interview with Mr Heappey, who stepped down from his role last month. They assess the bleak situation in Ukraine and why the conflict is at a critical stage. They also discuss how prepared the UK would be if it faced a war in the near future. Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker
The death of arguably one of America’s most talked about names in the 1990s has re-ignited conversations about who OJ Simpson was and how he will be remembered. The former NFL star was tried and acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. He later spent time in jail for armed robbery and kidnap. On the Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our US correspondent James Matthews as they discuss his life and the controversies surrounding the 76-year-old, who died on Wednesday following his battle with cancer. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Rosie Gillott,...
President Biden has stated US support for Israel is 'ironclad' after reports an Iranian attack is imminent. Iran had promised to retaliate after Israel killed a top Iranian commander in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month. It has led to fears the Israel-Gaza war could escalate to a wider Middle East conflict. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu did nothing to allay concerns when he said his forces were preparing for scenarios in other areas. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall about how ready Israel is for any attacks by Iran and what its nex...
More than 55,000 asylum seekers whose applications have been refused since 2011 may not have left the UK.The analysis of Home Office data does not include partners or children - so could be even higher.On the Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our communities correspondent Becky Johnson about how delays in deporting failed applicants have led to some people being able to make multiple appeals.In one case, an asylum seeker has been in limbo for 18 years.Also, immigration lawyer Harjap Singh Bhangal talks about why so many appeals against deportation are successful. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse ...
Yemen is in the middle of a humanitarian disaster after nearly a decade of civil war between the Saudi and Western-backed government, and the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. As Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford has found, war in Gaza is making the situation even worse for Yeminis already facing violence, starvation and disease. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Alex and Yemen-born producer Ahmed Baider to explore how Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, ostensibly in support of Gaza, are preventing aid from getting into Yemen. Senior Prod...
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on a house sale, almost a decade ago. She denies any wrongdoing and has been backed by the party's leader Sir Keir Starmer, with some colleagues claiming she's being "smeared". On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin unpicks exactly what Angela Rayner is accused of and discusses if the allegations are really in the public interest with Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell. They also talk about how important Ms Rayner is to Labour's election ambitions with polling expert Scarlett Maguire. ...
Next week, millions of people across North America will be able to see a total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. A total solar eclipse - where the moon moves in front of the sun - happens about every 18 months. However, it rarely takes place over land, so next week's is an incredibly rare opportunity for scientists and amateurs alike to witness the phenomenon.On the Sky News Daily, our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire chats to NASA's deputy administrator and retired astronaut Pam Melroy about why solar eclipses are so important for scientists and learning...
Three former Supreme Court justices have warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the UK is breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel. They are among over 600 lawyers and academics who are signatories of a 17-page letter, which also urges ministers to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza and resume funding to the UNRWA aid agency. It comes as civil servants overseeing arms exports could stop work over fears they may be complicit in war crimes. On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire asks Michael Mansfield KC, head of chambers at Nexus Chambers and former judge on the Russell Tribunal...
The UK spends more than £50bn a year - 2.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - on defence, but government documents shared with Sky News show the country has no preparations for a nuclear war. In January, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned the country is approaching a pre-war era and that in five years' time the UK could be looking at conflicts with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. So, is the UK ready? On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire is joined by our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, who has seen documents outlining the UK's preparedness for nuclear war, and asks f...
Aid group World Central Kitchen says seven members of its team have been killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza. The charity said the volunteers had just unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea. The foreign nationals killed were from the UK, Australia, Poland, and a dual US-Canadian citizen. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari offered "deepest condolences" to the founder of the charity World Central Kitchen over the "tragic" deaths of its aid workers. Aid convoys attempting to reach northern Gaza have either been force...
It’s the height of lockdown, 19-year-old Ellie Williams claims on social media she's been raped and exploited by an Asian grooming gang across the north of England. Photos of her alleged injuries add to the outrage and the post goes viral - shared more than 100,000 times. Social media rumours lead to attacks on Asian men and businesses in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. But when she's arrested for perverting the course of justice, things really explode and there are protest rallies and claims of a cover-up. At her trial, the prosecution say she lied, faked text messages and even caused...
The amount of raw sewage being spilled into England’s waterways has hit a record high – more than doubling since last year. Water companies are allowed to do this, but only in exceptional circumstances to prevent sewage washing back up into our homes. But, there’s growing evidence sewage is being routinely dumped by water firms when it’s not needed, polluting England’s waters more to the point where rowers in this year’s Oxford and Cambridge boat race have been warned not to go into the Thames. Customers could end up paying more too – as water companies in England and Wales want bills to...
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a cargo ship leaving the US city of Baltimore catastrophically struck a major bridge. The entire middle section of the 1.6-mile-long Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River. The ship lost power as it left the port, but the crew had enough time to make a mayday call so officials on the bridge were able to shut it to most traffic. Two people were rescued from the water but several people are still missing. There are now questions about how such a large vessel lost control and how the huge structure of the bridge crumbled so quickly. ...
Four men have been charged with carrying out an attack at a concert in Moscow on Friday that killed more than 130 people. They all appeared in court on Monday heavily bruised with swollen faces and black eyes – with one attending in a wheelchair wearing a hospital gown. The Islamic State group said it carried out the attack on the Crocus City Hall, but President Putin has insisted Ukraine was involved. President Zelenskyy has strongly denied the claims and hit out at the Russian leader and others in Moscow, describing them as “scum”. Questions are now mounting for President Putin as it e...