Sky News Daily

The total fertility rate for England and Wales - defined as the number of children a woman can expect to have over her lifetime - has fallen to another record low.   It's the third year in a row the rate has fallen, and the biggest decline in fertility is among those aged between 25 and 29, increasing the average age of parents to 31 for mothers and 33.9 for fathers. So, why aren't people in Britain having more babies?  On today’s Sky News Daily, Gareth Barlow is joined by leading demographer Paul Morland to discuss why people in Britain are having fewer children on average, and what could be done to reverse the trend.   Producers: Araminta Parker and Emily Hulme        Editor: Mike Bovill

Reform UK has outlined its plan to tackle the small boats crisis, which would include detaining and deporting all illegal migrants arriving in the UK. Leader Nigel Farage says his party is willing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, repeal the Human Rights Act and disapply the 1951 UN Refugee Convention for five years to remove barriers to deportations. On today's Sky News Daily, Sophy Ridge is joined by Sky's deputy political editor, Sam Coates, to discuss whether Reform's proposals could work. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill

Joel Linnainmäki, a former political adviser in Finland, joins to discuss President Alexander Stubb's unique diplomacy with Donald Trump. They delve into how Stubb's charismatic personality and athleticism helped him navigate U.S.-Ukraine relations. The conversation highlights his return to politics, shaped by Finland's NATO membership and evolving leadership style. Golf diplomacy also plays a key role, illustrating how a simple game can impact vital global issues. It's a compelling look at modern international relations and the art of political friendship.

Ed Conway, Sky's economics and data editor, brings his expertise to the discussion on Trump's potential tariffs against India for its Russian oil trade. The conversation reveals how Russian energy flows have shifted from Europe to India and China. Conway explores India's strategic position amidst U.S. pressure and questions if these tariffs could truly impact Russia's economy. The podcast also highlights the complicated dynamics of global power as countries navigate sanctions while maintaining their interests.

Islamic State is on the rise, once more a threat to the international community. Driven from its strongholds in Syria and Iraq, the terror group has been building a new base in the mountains of Somalia.    Sky’s special correspondent Alex Crawford has visited the cave network where Somali authorities believe the ISIS resurgence began - funded by crime and cryptocurrency in a sophisticated twist to their terror regime.     Alex joined Niall Paterson on The Daily to discuss what she discovered and what it means for the UK and beyond.     You can watch the full documentary, Hunting for ISIS: A Warning From Africa, here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdGr5uxqfak    Producer: Olivia McGhie and Emily Hulme  Editor: Mike Bovill     

Children’s exposure to online porn is higher than ever before. Will new laws designed to keep them safe finally make a difference or end up making matters worse?  Campaigner Ian Russell – whose daughter, Molly, took her own life at the age of 14 after being exposed to harmful content on social media – has criticised sites for still allowing a “tsunami” of inappropriate content to flood the feeds of young users.  Meanwhile, critics say the Online Safety Act has gone too far in curtailing democracy and freedom of speech. So, is the legislation fit for purpose?  On today’s episode, Tamara Cohen speaks to the Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, about what more needs to be done to keep young people safe. Plus, free speech campaigner, Toby Young, argues that parents – rather than the state – should be responsible for what their children view online.  Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

Russia and Ukraine have been fighting for control of the Donbas for years, and it has seen some of the most intensive fighting during the conflict. But why is this eastern region of Ukraine, which borders Russia, so important to President Putin?   Tamara Cohen speaks to our security and defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke and our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn, who's in Kyiv, about why this area is so central to a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.    Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Wendy Parker

Brooklyn Beckham renewed his vows earlier this month to his American heiress wife Nicola Peltz - her family was there but not his.  It added to speculation that there is a deep rift in the Beckhams' relationship with their eldest child, after Brooklyn did not appear at any of the celebrations for his father David’s 50th birthday.  Joining Niall Paterson to discuss whether this alleged rift could cause lasting damage to Brand Beckham are Clemmie Moodie, assistant editor at The Sun, and Mark Borkowski, PR expert and media industry commentator.  Producers: Soila Apparicio and Emily Hulme Editor: Wendy Parker 

Ukrainians are into their fourth year of fighting to defend their country from Russia, they have suffered huge casualties and are exhausted from the war effort.   But does that mean they are willing to compromise to achieve a peace deal? And after President Zelenskyy’s treatment in the Oval Office, do they think Donald Trump is the right man to negotiate their future?  Niall Paterson speaks to Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko about her hopes for the talks in Alaska and also to Kyiv-based journalist Peter Dickinson about what sort of peace deal Ukrainians would accept and what daily life is like for people there. Producer: Emily Hulme and Matt MusindiEditor: Wendy Parker

It’s results time for 700,000 A-level and T-level students. It’ll mean final decisions about their future – and whether university is the best option for their finances and their career.  With the huge cost of a three or four-year course, squeezed graduate incomes and fast changes to the job market due to AI, is a degree worth it?  Niall Paterson speaks to business and economics correspondent Paul Kelso about whether the cost of a degree outweighs its reward and just what has changed since Tony Blair vowed to get 50% of school-leavers going to university in 1999.  Producer: Emily Hulme  Editor: Paul Stanworth