Sky News Daily

The scientific community has condemned comments made by Donald Trump and his health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, linking autism to the use of everyday painkillers during pregnancy.  The claim has been refuted by medical experts in both the US and UK - with some saying his comments are dangerous. Is there any evidence linking paracetamol with autism? What damage could be done by the spread of misinformation? And has this set back the campaign for a better understanding of neurodiversity? Niall is joined by Jessie Hewitson, a mother of two autistic children who is also the author of “Autism: How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child”, and Sky's science editor Tom Clarke. For more on what Donald Trump said in the White House, listen to Trump 100 https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p6KWPOkUpGvrCPRQwbISb?si=20bcf885d0574ed1Producers: Emily Hulme & Tom Gillespie  Editor: Mike Bovill

Nearly two years on from the October 7 attacks by Hamas and subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza, Sir Keir Starmer has joined other world leaders in recognising a Palestinian state. The UK prime minister made the decision after months of pressure from dozens of his own MPs – but will it be enough to appease those in Labour who want to go even further? What does he hope the move will achieve and could it lead to the UK banning arms sales to Israel? Niall is joined by Sky's security and defence analyst Michael Clarke and former Labour adviser Scarlett MccGwire. Producer:  Emily Hulme and Tom Gillespie  Editor: Mike Bovill 

On this episode we are showcasing two of Sky News' other podcasts as we go over Donald Trump's second state visit.  Electoral Dysfunction's Beth Rigby, Ruth Davidson and Harriet Harman are joined by Trump 100's Mark Stone to tackle a news conference with potential ramifications to the world order. From the pomp and pageantry to the slightly uneasy division between the President and Prime Minister, the group give their special and unique insight on the historic visit.  But who was the winner and are any of the leaders better off?  Listen and follow Electoral Dysfunction and Trump 100 wherever you get your podcasts.

US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has been taken off air by the Disney-owned ABC network for making "offensive" comments relating to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.ABC announced the show would be shelved indefinitely - a move welcomed by Donald Trump, who has criticised many of America's most popular chat show hosts for their views on his presidency.What does the decision to pull the show say about freedom of speech in the US? And should we now be worried in the UK?Niall is joined by British comedian Tom Walker - best known for playing fictitious news reporter Jonathan Pie, whose rant blaming "the left" for the rise of Trump went viral in 2016.Content warning: This episode contains strong language.Producers: Olivia McGhie and Jim FarthingEditor: Mike BovillCredits:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLG9g7BcjKshttps://www.instagram.com/p/DOr2BQTidbi/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTyX9JC-rhA

Scientists say they have created an AI tool that could predict a patient's risk of hundreds of diseases years before they develop symptoms.The technology, if it works, could help revolutionise a health service which is always looking for ways to reduce costs and offer better patient care.However, with many people feeling the NHS can often struggle to implement new technologies - how ready is the health service for such a potentially groundbreaking tool?Who will be accountable if it gives a wrong diagnosis? And should people be scared AI is about to replace the human touch of their local GP?Niall is joined by Sky's science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore, who explains how the technology works and how prepared the NHS might be to introduce it. Dr Ben Maruthappu, founder of healthtech company Cera and former innovation adviser to NHS England, also reveals what other AI tools are on the horizon.Producers: Emily Hulme and Natalie KtenaEditor: Mike Bovill

A government deportation deal with France – designed to deter small boat crossings – has been beset by delays and legal challenges.    The first few migrants detained in Dover as part of the so-called one-in-one-out scheme were meant to be on a flight to France on Monday. That didn’t happen.    And even when the first deportations do begin, there is a cap on the number of people who can be returned. So, what is the government trying to achieve?    Danny Shaw, former adviser to Yvette Cooper – who was home secretary until last week – explains what the policy is and how it should work. Niall is also joined by Sky’s community correspondent, Lisa Holland, who is awaiting arrivals in France.  Producer: Natalie Ktena and Emily Hulme  Editor: Mike Bovill 

Sir Keir Starmer has only been prime minister for 16 months but already there are reports some Labour MPs want him out.   The details that have emerged about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the Angela Rayner tax scandal and Labour's perceived lack of direction by some in the party have all put pressure on Sir Keir - with a growing number of MPs said to be feeling he has until May's local elections to turn things around.   It's the biggest threat to his leadership so far and a somewhat familiar name is reportedly preparing to try and replace him.   Allies of Andy Burnham – the “King in the North” who’s currently the Mayor of Greater Manchester – have launched a new campaign group, Mainstream, calling on the government to introduce a wealth tax, nationalise utility companies and end the two-child benefit cap.   Who is Andy Burnham and how plausible is it that he could replace Sir Keir? How fragile is the prime minister’s position and what would a Labour leadership election look like?    Niall Paterson is joined by Professor Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester and a senior fellow at UK in a Changing Europe.  Producer: Natalie Ktena & Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

He may have described himself as a ‘fighter not a quitter’, but even Peter Mandelson couldn’t survive new and lurid revelations about his relationship with convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. The ultimate political animal, Mandelson was no stranger to scandal – having twice been forced to resign from Tony Blair’s Cabinet. But brought back into the Labour fold by Gordon Brown after a successful stint as European Commissioner, the former spin doctor went on to enjoy a career renaissance – which eventually took him to Washington as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. However, Mandelson was summoned home from DC in disgrace, following the publication of a cache of embarrassing emails and other communications between himself and Epstein.  Was his downfall inevitable? And should Sir Keir Starmer have known better than to entrust one of the biggest diplomatic roles in the world to a man with a track record of self-destruction? Niall is joined by former ambassador and National Security Advisor, Lord Ricketts, and Sky News’ former political editor, Adam Boulton. Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

More small boats, more asylum claims, more flags flying in town centres – the debate over immigration has never felt more polarised.   Sky News invited a live studio audience to put their questions and concerns to politicians from four of the main Westminster parties. So, what did they ask and are we any closer to a consensus on what anyone would do about both legal and illegal migration?   Niall Paterson is joined by debate host, Trevor Phillips, and audience member, Ryan Alexander, who asked the panel about the ethics of housing asylum seekers in hotels.   You can watch the debate in full here.  Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill  

Lachlan Murdoch has finally secured his place as his father Rupert’s successor, following a long sibling battle for control over one of the highest-profile media groups in the world.  Under the deal, some of Rupert's other children – James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch and Prudence MacLeod – will sell their personal holdings in Fox and News Corp, with each expected to receive about $1.1bn (£810m). A new family trust will be created to benefit Lachlan and his younger siblings, Grace and Chloe Murdoch.  Joining Niall Paterson to unravel the dispute – thought to have been one of the inspirations for the TV series Succession – are Paddy Manning, author of The Successor: The High-Stakes Life Of Lachlan Murdoch and our business correspondent, Paul Kelso.  Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Mike Bovill 

A group of scientists think they can geoengineer the Arctic’s melting ice, thickening it by pumping freezing seawater onto the surface during the winter.  Geoengineering is the large-scale – and often experimental – manipulation of the environment in an attempt to slow down climate change. The question is, is it mad science? Or our last hope?    Science correspondent Thomas Moore has visited the Climate Repair Unit in Cambridge, where they're attempting to thicken Arctic ice. He joins Niall to explain the research and the controversies surrounding it.  Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill 

Her disappearance remains unsolved, but several theories about what happened to Madeleine McCann still need to be explained. Now, Sky News has tracked down the woman at the centre of investigation into a potential hit-and-run.This was just before Christian B emerged as the prime suspect over the three-year-old British girl's disappearance in 2007.Crime correspondent Martin Brunt joins Niall to explain the current state of the McCann case, the unexplored threads in the investigation, and why suspect Christian B is going to be released from prison.Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill       

Zack Polanski is the fresh face of the Green Party. He already sits on the London Assembly – the capital's elected body that scrutinises the activities of the Mayor. But he's got his eyes set on the Commons – with ambitions to join the four Green MPs already there.Polanski wants to offer a different approach to politics with policies that include a wealth tax on billionaires and renationalising water companies. And to be a threat to both Labour and Reform UK.To find out more about Polanski's ambitions, Niall Paterson is joined by Caroline Russell, Green leader of the London Assembly who has worked alongside him and backed his campaign, plus George Monaghan, commissioning editor at the New Statesman. Producer: Soila Apparicio

We give an insight into the UK's immigration system, following an Indian family who dreamed of a better life. They came to the UK on student and dependent visas – which the family say were obtained using fake documents.Niall Paterson is joined by communities correspondent Lisa Holland who has spoken to the family, to explore the serious questions about the checks and balances in place by the Home Office, as well as data and forensics journalist Joely Santa Cruz, who helps unpick the numbers.Producer: Emily Hulme Editor: Philly Beaumont  

The chances are your child has a smartphone. But whether they're allowed to use them in school or not could have a huge impact on not only their academic success but also mental health issues and wider threats to their wellbeing.Brianna Ghey was 16 when she was stabbed to death by two 15-year-olds after being lured into a park in Warrington. Her mother, Esther, says she lost her daughter twice - firstly to her phone, then to her killers.Esther now wants a legal ban on phones in schools, rather than the current guidelines which don't make such a ban compulsory.In today's episode, Kamali Melbourne speaks to our North of England correspondent, Shingi Mararike - following his interview with Esther Ghey - as well as campaigner, Dr Susie Davies, who would like to see even stronger measures to protect young people from the dangers of mobile phone use.Producer: Emily HulmeEditor: Mike Bovill

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch wants to end Labour's ban on new oil and gas licences and make North Sea oil and gas a "cornerstone" of the economy.   But what would that mean for net-zero targets?     Kamali Melbourne is joined by our business correspondent Paul Kelso, who breaks down the economic impact it could have, while industry expert Professor Paul de Leeuw tells us how the sector has reacted to the announcement in Aberdeen.  Producer: Soila Apparicio  Editor: Mike Bovill

A few years ago, the number of asylum seekers in the Warwickshire market town of Nuneaton was in single digits. But it has become another community facing anti-migrant unrest.   Our Midlands correspondent Shamaan Freeman-Powell visited Nuneaton, as it's a key battleground for the migrant crisis conversation, visiting the homes where migrants are placed, and witnessing community tensions in the high street.   Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Mike Bovill 

With Parliament back in action in a few days, Sam and Anne look ahead to the packed autumn schedule in Westminster.  In the last episode of the Summer Box Set, both spill the beans on all the latest news and gossip around Westminster, Whitehall and beyond as MPs prepare to come back to the House of Commons.   They’ll mark the important dates in the calendar, break down the fortunes of the key players, and explain which areas could cause trouble for the government.  Normal service resumes on the podcast on Monday, 1st September. 

Is Donald Trump increasingly acting like a dictator as he power grabs and overreaches on independent institutions?Plus - he’s firing people again. Why?Mark Stone reflects on seeing an immigration raid in DC - and what this means for a community with the army on the streets.And, we reflect on the mass shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 other people as they prayed in a church before school.You can also watch all episodes on our YouTube channel.Watch Mark Stone's full piece on the ICE raids on YouTube and on the SkyNews website.

It feels like we're having to pay more and more for the basics every month. New figures released this week showed food inflation has reached an 18-month high of 4.2% - pushed up by household favourites like chocolate, eggs and butter. The energy price cap is also rising, again. So, when will we start to feel a bit better off?   Why is the hangover of the cost of living crisis still lingering? And as the nights draw in, what can be done to survive another cold winter?   On today’s episode, Jonathan Samuels is joined by business correspondent Paul Kelso - who explains why prices remain stubbornly high - and Money blogger Jess Sharp, who offers some advice and tips to struggling households.   Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Emily Hulme  Editor: Mike Bovill