This Is Why

The head of the GCHQ intelligence agency has warned that Russia is going after critical infrastructure and democracy in the UK.
Anne Keast-Butler also used the inaugural GCHQ annual lecture at Bletchley Park to say the threat of this "daily hybrid activity" leading to a wider conflict is as "high as I’ve ever seen it".
Her warning comes days after an RAF jet carrying the UK's defence secretary John Healey had its signal jammed near the Russia border.
Why is Moscow allegedly carrying out these hybrid attacks and what is being done to tackle them?
Gareth Barlow discusses how severe the Russia threat is with Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.

Three teenagers who avoided jail over the rape of two girls in Hampshire will now have their sentences reviewed after a judge initially said he wanted to "avoid criminalising these children unnecessarily". One of the victims described the ruling as being like a "rock straight in my face".
The attorney general, Lord Hermer, has announced that the Court of Appeal will review the sentences. His office had received "multiple" requests for the sentences to be reviewed under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
Gareth Barlow speaks to Susan Edwards, Professor of Law at Northumbria University and author of 'Sex and Gender in the Legal Process', about how the decision was reached and what will happen next. Also, Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell discusses the government's plan to reform the youth justice system.
Warning: This podcast contains references to rape
Have you got a question for This Is Why? Email the show – [email protected]

In all corners of the United Kingdom, parties that back independence are now in charge.
The SNP retained control in Scotland and Plaid Cymru took power in Wales for the first time following the May elections. And, with Sinn Fein becoming the biggest party in Northern Ireland back in 2022, it now means all three devolved legislatures in the UK are led by nationalist parties.
So, what's behind their rise and are there similarities between them?
Niall is joined by Professor Michael Keating, Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Aberdeen and Fellow of the Centre on Constitutional Change at the University of Edinburgh.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show: [email protected]

Thomas Tuchel is England’s first German-born manager. He has led some of Europe’s biggest clubs, from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich to Chelsea, where he won the Champions League.
But he has rarely stayed long in one place; Tuchel has had fraught relationships with club owners and executives.
Now, as he announces his squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, some of his selection decisions have already sparked controversy. So what do they, and his career so far, reveal about the man carrying England’s hopes on his shoulders?
Our sports correspondent Rob Harris, fresh from interviewing the England manager, speaks to Niall Paterson about Tuchel’s leadership style, his track record under pressure, and whether he can succeed where others have failed.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show – [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.