Sky News Daily

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: [email protected]

A decade to the day since the Brexit referendum, the European Union has postponed a proposed summit to reset the UK’s relationship with Europe.Following the fall of the Starmer premiership, Brussels will now wait and see what a new Labour leader – likely to be Andy Burnham – wants to achieve from any potential EU negotiation.But as every prime minister over the past 10 years has discovered, trying to reshape those relations from outside the union is fraught with political danger.Will a Burnham Number 10 seek to strengthen ties with Europe? Could he call for a customs union - and be willing to pay the price? And how will it be viewed by the Leave-supporting voters of Makerfield and the rest of the so-called “Red Wall”?Niall Paterson is joined by Anne McElvoy, executive editor of POLITICO Europe and co-host of our sister podcast, Politics at Sam and Anne’s.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]

It's not just teenagers having tantrums over TikTok, a social media ban for under-16s could have unforeseen consequences for anyone who uses the internet.The government's decision to crack down on everything from YouTube to AI chatbots was announced on Monday – but remained short on detail.How will any ban work in practice? Is this all being pushed through to provide a legacy for the prime minister? And will every adult user now have to prove they're over-16, with a potential impact on privacy and civil liberties?Niall Paterson speaks to the tech journalist and broadcaster Will Guyatt.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]

It was Donald Trump’s 80th birthday present to himself – announcing the US had finally agreed a peace plan with Iran. But is it really a done deal, especially when it comes to Iran’s nuclear ambitions?In fact, is it a deal at all? The two sides are understood to have reached a Memorandum of Understanding, bringing an end to the fighting and a start to 60 days of further negotiations.But whilst Iran has again reiterated its commitment to not produce a nuclear weapon, the future of the country’s uranium enrichment programme is far more vague.Will Mr Trump be satisfied his original war aims have succeeded? And what about the role of Israel in any longer-term peace deal for the region?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s International Affairs Correspondent Dom Waghorn.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected] Sky News Insider! You can listen to Stuff Matters, Electoral Dysfunction, and Trump100 without ads, get new episodes early, exclusive bonus episodes and much more, by becoming a Sky News Insider. Sky News Insider requires a paid subscription and is available to UK listeners aged 18 and over. Find out more and subscribe: https://skynews.supportingcast.fm/

LEDs were supposed to be one of the great environmental success stories: a revolutionary technology that uses a fraction of the energy of traditional light bulbs. But have they really saved the world?In our new podcast Stuff Matters, economics and data editor Ed Conway takes an object, cracks it open and reveals the world shaping forces hidden inside.Each episode follows a trail of ideas that stretches beyond the object itself, uncovering far reaching economic powers that shape how we live.Along the way, Ed meets fascinating characters, from brilliant inventors to Latin American revolutionaries. He dives into their personal stories and reveals how they’ve changed the course of industries and economies.Because when you look closely enough, even the simplest things turn out to matter more than you think.Follow Stuff Matters to never miss an episode.

He’s the former Marine who served in the special forces, climbs mountains for fun, and now could hold the keys to Downing Street. Following an astonishing interview on Sky News, Al Carns quit as Armed Forces minister over doubts the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan was going to be fully funded. It was yet another blow for a prime minister still reeling from the resignation of his defence secretary John Healey earlier on Thursday. Carns, nick-named ‘Action Man’ because of his military background, has already hinted at his leadership ambitions. Could he now potentially join the likes of Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting in challenging Sir Keir Starmer? Sky’s Mhari Aurora is joined by political correspondent Amanda Akass to discuss Carn’s career, and how likely a contender he is for the country’s top job. Have you got a question? Email the show – [email protected]

Americans are finally feeling the pinch due to Trump’s war in Iran, with inflation surging to a three-year-high.There’s no end to hostilities in sight, and with the Strait of Hormuz – which handles a fifth of global oil and gas supplies – still closed, it looks like prices will continue to rise.With any economic pain the US experiences amplified across the pond, how will the UK cope with yet more financial upheaval?Plus, what does this all mean for Trump’s presidency ahead of the mid-term elections in November?Mhari Aurora is joined by Sky News’s business and economics reporter James Sillars.Have you got a question for the show? Email us: [email protected]

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.

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: [email protected]

Thames Valley Police are investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor over potential sex crimes, it’s understood.Officers are assessing allegations that Jeffrey Epstein sent a non-British woman to the UK in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Andrew, but have yet to interview her.Meanwhile the equalities watchdog has said in new guidance that single sex spaces - such as changing rooms and toilets - must be used on the basis of biological sex.This means a trans woman - a biological male who identifies as a woman - should not use female toilets or changing rooms, according to the code of conduct which has been approved by ministers.In politics, Rachel Reeves has announced a temporary cut to VAT on some family attractions as an attempt to ease cost of living pressures.It comes as there could be record-breaking temperatures over the Bank Holiday - with health warnings in place.Finally, Thomas Tuchel is set to announce his World Cup squad - and some big names will miss out.Anna Jones and Leah Boleto have the day's news in just 10 minutes.

On Thursday lunchtime, Wes Streeting resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government. The now-former health secretary said he had “lost confidence” in the PM’s premiership – the first cabinet minister to jump ship.But what he didn’t say (yet) is that he will challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership – and with it, the keys to Number 10.So, why hasn’t Streeting fired the starting gun on a contest his critics say he’s been desperate to fight? What sort of leader might he eventually be, and what’s his track record in government?Niall is joined by Sky News’ political correspondent Rob Powell.Watch Wes Streeting’s appearance on Electoral Dysfunction with Beth Rigby here.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]

The UK is providing jets, drones and our only operational Type 45 destroyer – HMS Dragon – as part of a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz.Thousands of tankers and cargo ships remain stranded after the Strait was closed at the end of February due to the Iran war.Defence Secretary John Healey has stressed the deployment is a defensive measure to secure freedom of navigation – but will only be used once a ceasefire is in place.Will these military assets actually make a difference, and how does the Ministry of Defence operate at a time of such political uncertainty?Niall is joined by military analyst Professor Michael Clarke to find out more about the mission and the equipment the UK is sending.For more on HMS Dragon, you can listen to our episode with defence analyst Tom Sharpe here.Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: [email protected]

Despite a disastrous set of local and national election results, the prime minister has vowed to carry on regardless. But dozens of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour MPs have now called on him to resign – or at least set out a timetable for when he will leave Downing Street.Surely choosing a replacement – or even triggering a leadership contest – should be straightforward? However, even though there are any number of potential challengers, the PM could well be safer than you think.Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent, Lucy McDaid, to discuss the Labour leadership election process, how it differs from the Tories and what needs to happen for Starmer to be ousted.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

The annual Victory Day parade in Moscow will be a much smaller affair this year, without an intercontinental ballistic missile in sight.Why? Well, the threat of a Ukrainian drone attack is certainly one reason. But is there any credibility in reports of another threat - this time against Vladimir Putin himself?An anonymous European intelligence agency has claimed the Russian president is spooked over the prospect of a potential coup or even a possible assassination attempt.The alleged plotter is being named as former Putin ally and shunned ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu. But how credible is this report, and is the president's paranoia justified?Our Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett joins Niall to discuss whether Shoigu is really plotting to oust Putin, and what it means if the leader's grip on power is slipping.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

The emergence of the United States as an energy superpower has reshaped the global economy. Good news for its allies, right? Well, not necessarily...In Texas, fracking has turned America from a major importer into the world's biggest energy producer, effectively creating "another Saudi Arabia" almost overnight.But as Europe looks to the US to plug the energy gap caused by wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the reality on the ground is more complicated.Ed Conway, our economics and data editor, joins Niall to explore why the US can't simply ride to the rescue and what that means for the UK's energy security.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

Millions of people are preparing to head to the polls across Britain on Thursday. They'll be voting for thousands of local council seats in England - while people in Scotland and Wales will elect members of their respective devolved parliaments. But the results could have a huge impact on national politics. So, what happens to the prime minister if Labour loses as badly as expected? And does a good night for the Greens or Reform UK really mean they are banging on the door of Number 10? Niall previews what to expect at the polls with Cathy Newman - host of the Cathy Newman Show on Sky News from 7pm on Monday to Thursday. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]

It's the small Baltic state that's no stranger to being invaded - having been occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.But while many hope it will never happen again, there are fears in NATO and beyond that Estonia is next on Vladimir Putin's hitlist.So how is the country preparing for the threat from Russia? And could Estonia really be on the front line of a future war in Europe?Niall is joined by the outgoing UK ambassador to Estonia, Ross Allen.

With conflicts continuing in Ukraine, Africa and the Middle East, the global economy being held to ransom and the old world order seemingly up-ended, is there any role left for the United Nations? Founded in the shadow of two world wars, the UN used to be considered the guardian of international law and order. But is it now little more than a toothless talking shop? Niall is joined by Sky News' diplomatic editor Dominic Waghorn to help answer a query from a listener on whether the United Nations still has any meaningful function in the modern world. Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

As The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in cinemas, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour is back in the news – but who is she?The sequel to the 2006 film is widely perceived to be based on Ms Wintour's formidable and abrasive management style.However, the world of fashion and the magazines that follow it has changed a lot since then.So, has she maintained her grip and influence on the multibillion-dollar industry?Niall is joined by Paula Froelich, senior story producer and on-air contributor for NewsNation, to discuss her life and career.

The war in Iran has led to fears of food shortages and fuelled forecourt price hikes – but is your summer holiday also in jeopardy?The price of jet fuel has soared higher than any other oil product, including petrol, since the Middle East conflict led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.It means major airlines – including Qatar, Etihad and Lufthansa – have started cancelling flights. So how worried should you be about your summer holiday abroad?Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [email protected]

The party drug ecstasy is usually associated with packed nightclubs and panicked politicians talking about the dangers involved in taking it.However, a former head of the UK’s armed forces believes the drug’s active ingredient, known as MDMA, could be key to treating veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.General Sir Nick Carter is now calling on the government to relax restrictions in order to reduce the crippling cost of clinical trials. What evidence is there to suggest this treatment could be effective and what’s been the reaction from the few former soldiers who have benefitted so far?Niall is joined by Sky’s science correspondent Thomas Moore.Warning: Contains references to drug taking, depression and suicide.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

Iranian intelligence services are suspected of actively recruiting in the UK, using AI and social networks to entice potential sign-ups.Sky News has uncovered evidence of how apparent Iranian networks are using the chat platform Telegram to target recruits.It follows an increase in attacks on Jewish communities across the UK – with authorities suggesting that some perpetrators may have been taking orders from Tehran.But why might petty crooks or youngsters be tempted to become involved? How worried should we be about their activities? And what level of threat does Iran pose here in the UK?Niall is joined by Sky New’s Home Editor Jason Farrell, whose producer infiltrated a suspected Iranian intelligence account.Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

The prime minister’s been asked to ‘explain himself’ after the UK’s top prosecutor blamed the collapse of a China spy trial on the government - for not labelling China a risk to national security.  But Sir Keir Starmer blames the previous Tory government.  A parliamentary researcher and his associate were accused of passing on “politically sensitive” information to a member of China’s ruling politburo – so why won’t it go to court?    Niall is joined by political correspondent Mhari Aurora and the former head of MI6 Richard Dearlove.    Producers: Tom Gillespie & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

He may have described himself as a ‘fighter not a quitter’, but even Peter Mandelson couldn’t survive new and lurid revelations about his relationship with convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. The ultimate political animal, Mandelson was no stranger to scandal – having twice been forced to resign from Tony Blair’s Cabinet. But brought back into the Labour fold by Gordon Brown after a successful stint as European Commissioner, the former spin doctor went on to enjoy a career renaissance – which eventually took him to Washington as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. However, Mandelson was summoned home from DC in disgrace, following the publication of a cache of embarrassing emails and other communications between himself and Epstein.  Was his downfall inevitable? And should Sir Keir Starmer have known better than to entrust one of the biggest diplomatic roles in the world to a man with a track record of self-destruction? Niall is joined by former ambassador and National Security Advisor, Lord Ricketts, and Sky News’ former political editor, Adam Boulton. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

More small boats, more asylum claims, more flags flying in town centres – the debate over immigration has never felt more polarised.   Sky News invited a live studio audience to put their questions and concerns to politicians from four of the main Westminster parties. So, what did they ask and are we any closer to a consensus on what anyone would do about both legal and illegal migration?   Niall Paterson is joined by debate host, Trevor Phillips, and audience member, Ryan Alexander, who asked the panel about the ethics of housing asylum seekers in hotels.   You can watch the debate in full here.  Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill  

Anas Al-Sharif was one of five journalists among seven people killed in an Israeli air strike on Gaza City. The five worked for the broadcaster Al Jazeera.  Israel says Sharif was the head of a Hamas cell but has only produced limited evidence about its claims.  Al Jazeera rejected the accusations and said the strike was a "blatant" attack on press freedom.  On this episode, Niall Paterson and Sky News international correspondent Diana Magnay look at Anas Al-Sharif's career, Israel's claims and the international condemnation of what happened. Producer: Natalie Ktena and Emily HulmeEditor: Paul Stanworth  

If you've paid to have rubbish taken away from your home - where do you expect it to end up?A Sky News investigation has tracked down some of those behind the dumping of people's waste illegally and discovered how they are making thousands of pounds from it. On this episode, Niall hears the back story to how we went from digging through dumped waster to confront a suspected flytipper - and how TikTok played a part.He's joined by correspondent Rachael Venables and our Open Source Investigations (OSINT) editor, Adam Parker.