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This Is Why

This Is Why

By: Sky News
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About this listen

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 the dangers of Mythos AI may be a myth
    Apr 22 2026

    AI giant Anthropic has chosen not to release its latest model, Mythos Preview, to the public. The product was pulled after testing showed its unprecedented strengths in hacking.

    Instead, Mythos has been made available to a small number of big tech companies including Amazon and Microsoft to help protect their software, rather than pick it apart.

    So, has the day arrived which many have feared – where AI could change the world as we know it? Or are the scare stories around Mythos merely a myth?

    Niall is joined by Rowland Manthorpe, technology correspondent at Sky News, to discuss the potential dangers as well as how safe the UK is from the threat of AI.

    Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – why@sky.uk

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    15 mins
  • Why the government's civil war with the civil service matters
    Apr 21 2026

    Sir Keir Starmer's relationship with the civil service has broken down following the sacking of Sir Olly Robbins.

    The former top civil servant at the Foreign Office told parliament there was a "dismissive approach" to security vetting from No 10, but the prime minister maintains it was Robbins who made "an error of judgement".

    So, what's at stake when the inner workings of government grind to a halt?

    Lord Peter Ricketts, who is also a former permanent secretary at the Foreign Office, joins Niall to discuss what happens when things go wrong and whether Starmer can repair relations with the civil servants who deliver his mandate, before it's too late.

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

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    17 mins
  • Why Cuba is collapsing under Trump’s blockade
    Apr 20 2026

    First it was Venezuela, then Iran. Is Cuba next on Donald Trump's hit list?

    The US navy has been anchored off the Caribbean coast since the start of the year, preventing supplies of oil and food from the outside world.

    As a consequence, the island has been brought to its knees - with electrical blackouts, food rationing and fears for the future.

    Sky News chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay joins Niall to discuss life under the blockade in Havana and what fate awaits the nation, as President Trump threatens military intervention.

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

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    19 mins
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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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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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