This Is Why

Paul Kelso, Sky News business correspondent, and Tom Clarke, its science and technology editor, examine the controversial Jackdaw gas field. Why is it being approved as winter approaches? They explore energy security, Britain’s dependence on imports, the North Sea’s decline, net zero tensions, rising bills, and whether renewables can deliver a safer, more affordable future.

Robert Clark, a military analyst focused on European security, NATO and geopolitics, explores the Arctic’s intensifying power struggle. Russia and China are expanding cooperation in shipping, energy and rare earth minerals, while Moscow strengthens its military and commercial grip. Clark examines Europe and Britain’s response, melting ice, and the growing risk of hybrid conflict below the threshold of war.

Catherine Guilyardi, a Paris-based French journalist covering politics and society, recounts a weekend of tear gas, looting and overwhelmed police. She explores how student demonstrations grew into a national uprising, why young people distrust the state, and the fears driving France’s political tensions. The conversation also examines shared inequality, housing pressures and youth unrest spreading across Western Europe.

Greg Swenson, chairman of Republicans Overseas UK and a commentator on conservative politics, examines Katie Zachariah’s controversial arrival as White House press secretary. They discuss her television background, disputed credentials, Trump’s preference for loyalty, and the high-pressure messaging challenge ahead. Could she survive the scrutiny, midterm battles and potential impeachment threats?

Anand Menon, a King’s College London professor and director of UK in a Changing Europe, examines Andy Burnham’s renewed push for closer EU ties. They explore Labour’s European shift, Brexit’s tradeoffs, possible routes back toward Europe, public appetite for rejoining, and the political choices facing Britain’s next manifesto.

Amy Dickman, an Oxford wildlife conservationist and big-cat specialist, explores the risks and responsibilities of keeping tigers in zoos. They discuss animal welfare, whether captivity can support conservation, and how zoos turn public fascination into funding for wildlife protection. The conversation also examines social media’s distorted view of wild animals and why saving lions means working closely with local communities.

Dinara Khalilova, an independent Ukrainian journalist covering the war and its human cost, discusses why Trump’s Russian diesel deal and attacks on Zelenskyy have enraged Ukrainians. She explores Zelenskyy’s changing reputation, dangerous journeys, inadequate shelters, sleepless nights and lasting trauma. She also reflects on how Ukrainians pursue love, family and careers while preparing for a long conflict.

Katie Spencer, Sky News arts and entertainment correspondent, and Martin Brunt, veteran crime commentator, report from Russell Brand’s first day at Southwark Crown Court. They explore the charges he denies, the protected identities of six complainants, jury selection and the courtroom’s strict procedures. They also compare Brand’s carefully managed celebrity arrival with the gravity of a criminal trial, offering two distinct perspectives on covering the proceedings.

John North, an investigative journalist covering crime, courts and executions in Tennessee, recounts Christa Pike’s failed lethal-injection execution. He describes the shocking moments inside the death chamber, revisits the murder of Colleen Slemmer, and explores the anguish of her family. The conversation examines lethal injection’s collapse, possible return of firing squads and other methods, and America’s bitter divide over capital punishment.

Ed Conway, Sky News’ economics and data editor, brings data-driven reporting to Britain’s looming gas crunch. He explores the country’s dependence on imports, the hidden control room preparing for disaster, and the emergency hierarchy for cutting supply. From underground gas highways to the uncertain future of energy security, this is a gripping look at what happens when the fuel runs low.