Sky News Daily

The government says it will accept the majority of the recommendations in the report it commissioned into jail sentences.   The independent review, led by ex-Conservative justice secretary David Gauke, looked at how to reduce the prison population by 2028. One of its key proposals would see well-behaved inmates only serve a third of their sentences. It would include sex offenders who had agreed to chemical castration.  On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to political correspondent Liz Bates about what is in the plans and what the political ramifications may be for Labour.  Plus, Professor Belinda Winder, who has been evaluating the government's chemical castration pilot, explains what the process involves and how effective it is. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker

Israel has stopped aid from going into Gaza for the past 11 weeks - a blockade that Sir Keir Starmer has called "indefensible". It allowed a limited amount of aid into the enclave this week in response to global concern but the move was criticised as "wholly inadequate".    As some of Israel's allies in Europe and North America seem to be running out of patience with Israel, could this be a tipping point in the war in Gaza?    Niall Paterson is joined by our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall to discuss the crisis in Gaza, and the international response. Producer: Soila Apparicio  Editor: Wendy Parker

Rampant gang violence has surged in Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world, with authorities struggling to cope.   Swathes of territory are under the control of rival armed gangs who carry out widespread murders, rapes and kidnappings.    Our chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay and senior foreign producer Dominique van Heerden have been in Haiti, where they saw parents taking children to school approach a Port-au-Prince intersection as automatic gunfire bursts from the turret of an armoured police vehicle rang out.    They join Niall Paterson to share their experience back in Haiti, what it's like covering warzones, and what’s next for the people of Haiti.    Producer: Soila Apparicio

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer today signed a landmark post-Brexit deal with the European Union. The deal has been lauded by the Labour leader as "a new era in our relationship...moving on from stale old debates" and "following through on what the British public voted for last year".  His opponents are far from pleased, however, with both Reform and the Conservatives arguing that this sees the UK move back towards the EU and against the will of the people as voted for in 2016. Reform leader Nigel Farage has labelled the deal 'a surrender' to the EU by Sir Keir.  But what is actually in the deal? What does it mean, and who stands to benefit the most from it?  Niall Paterson and Sky News Political Correspondent Tamara Cohen unpack the seismic deal announced today in London. The pair look at the benefits for the UK in the deal. They also analyse how damaging some of the prime minister's concessions could be for the Labour Party, and how Reform could capitalise on this.   Producers: Gabriel Radus, Soila ApparicioEditor: Philly Beaumont

Air Force One, sometimes referred to the 'flying Oval Office', is seen as a global symbol of American power.    It is for this reason, among others, that Donald Trump has come under fire for wanting to accept a Qatari Boeing 747-8 to replace the traditional presidential plane.    But why is everyone so exorcised by the prospects of this new plane? Kenneth T. Walsh is a former White House correspondent and author of Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes who has spent over 35 years covering and travelling with the president.   Kenneth joins Niall Paterson to discuss the significance of Air Force One, and memories from his trips on the plane.  Producers: Gabriel Radus, Natalie Ktena, Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont 

Dominic Waghorn, the International affairs editor for Sky News, shares insights from Kyiv about the fragile mood in Ukraine regarding peace talks with Russia. He discusses President Zelenskyy's accusations towards Russia and explores how everyday Ukrainians feel about the prospect of negotiations. Waghorn delves into the emotional toll of the ongoing conflict, the complexities of territorial disputes, and the critical need for security guarantees. He also highlights Zelensky's political challenges and Ukraine's call for stronger European support in the face of aggression.

Dominic Waghorn, International Affairs Editor at Sky News, dives into Donald Trump's recent discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda leader. They analyze the implications of lifting 25 years of sanctions on Syria and what "normalizing" relations means for the region. Waghorn also explores the historical context of U.S. foreign policy, the intricate dynamics of Syria's reintegration into the international community, and how Trump's unique diplomatic tactics may reshape relationships in the Middle East.

A Sky News investigation has uncovered the complex gang network using stickers on lampposts and e-bikes to expand their cannabis home delivery operation.   Led by open-source intelligence (OSINT) producer Sam Doak and data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire, the team tried to track down and even went to the homes allegedly at the heart of a drug ring responsible for stickers found in a number of cities across the UK.   On today’s episode of the Sky News Daily, listen to how the investigation exposes how dark web merchants are coming out of the shadows and into broad daylight and what are the police doing about it.  Sky News contacted the National Crime Agency about our findings. They said: “Many organised crime groups selling drugs use social media and communication platforms to promote and sell their illicit produce," it said in a statement. “The NCA is working with partners across law enforcement and government to tackle drug trafficking."Producer: Emily Hulme and Emma Rae WoodhouseEditor: Philly Beaumont Extra journalism: Henry Vaughan

Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor at Sky News, dives into the UK’s shifting stance on immigration. He discusses the Prime Minister's push to reduce net migration, warning about the country becoming an 'island of strangers.' Coates explores Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer's proposed reforms, including tougher language tests for immigrants and stricter rules for overseas carers. The conversation touches on the intricate balance between addressing labor shortages in the care sector and managing public service strains, revealing the complexities of current migration policies.

Pope Leo XIV is the first North American to lead the Catholic Church. But he was not considered to be in the top 10 likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis, in part due to his nationality.  There had been an assumption that an American pope would mean too much power concentrated in the world's most dominant superpower.   So why did the conclave pick Cardinal Robert Prevost - and what does it mean for the future direction of the Catholic Church? To discuss this on today's Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson are Barbara Serra, who has been covering the conclave for Sky News, and Father Thomas Massaro from New York's Fordham University. Producer: Natalie KtenaEditor: Wendy Parker