This Is Why

It's all a little awkward. Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver his defence spending proposals to NATO next month, despite having lost both his job and his defence secretary.

But the outgoing PM seems determined to push through with his plans just days before Andy Burnham potentially moves into Downing Street.

The man whose resignation helped hasten Starmer's departure - ex-defence secretary John Healey - recently held talks with Burnham.

But what do we know about our expected new prime minister's position on military spending? Will he prove to be more of a hawk or a dove when it comes to the defence of the realm?

Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell and military analyst Sean Bell.

When an event discussing extreme heat at London Climate Week is called off due to... extreme heat, you know things are bad. In the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, “London is cooking.”

Yes, it’s summer and heatwaves are hardly a rarity. But as record temperatures in June follow record temperatures in May – it's the frequency and severity of these weather events that are frightening forecasters and climate scientists.

With a rare red heat warning in place across much of England and Wales, hundreds of schools have closed, travellers have been warned to avoid public transport and there are threats of power cuts.

But as our summers become ever hotter, are we doing enough to adapt national infrastructure? And why are politicians so hesitant to take transformative climate action?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s science and technology editor Tom Clarke.

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

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: why@sky.uk

It's become a familiar sight in British politics - the lectern outside 10 Downing Street, ready for another resignation speech.

On Monday morning, Sir Keir Starmer became the sixth prime minister to stand down in almost a decade, despite on paper commanding a huge Labour majority.

So, why was his departure inevitable? And what will be the Starmer legacy following his two years in office?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell.

Serena Williams has nothing left to prove. She's won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, inspired generations of players and built a legacy that reaches far beyond tennis. But after nearly four years away from the sport, she's returning to Wimbledon.

So, Niall asks why one of the greatest athletes of all time is making a comeback. He is joined by Charlie Eccleshare, senior tennis writer for The Athletic, as they discuss what motivates elite competitors long after they've conquered their sport, and whether Serena Williams can still defy expectations one more time.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: why@sky.uk. And if you wanted to watch Niall, check out This is Why on YouTube.