Sky News Daily

Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people".   Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also allege he used campaign funds to pay his personal medical bills.   On the Conservatives' investigation into the claims, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News: "There's further information that the Chief Whip I understand became familiar with yesterday and actions being swiftly taken on the basis of that further information."I think it is important to stress that the MP in question here denies the allegations and so on basis of sort of fairness and proper justice, I think it's important to mention that."On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political correspondent Darren McCaffrey to analyse how Westminster will cope with another scandal.   Plus, the Scottish government has come under fire for rowing back on its climate commitments. Niall speaks to science correspondent Thomas Moore about the consequences of the government missing eight out of 12 of its annual climate commitments. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈     Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada Meosa-John  Editors: Paul Stanworth

The price of everyday things - mainly food - is now rising at the lowest level since 2021.  Official data shows inflation eased last month to 3.2% - down from 3.4% - but the fall was slightly less than economists expected.  On the Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what's going on with inflation and what it might mean for interest rates with Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway - who's in the US looking at the situation there. They also discuss how the UK could be importing inflation from America.  Plus, Niall talks to Russ Mould, investment director at finance firm AJ Bell, about what's happening at the fashion retailer ASOS which says it's becoming "more agile" after an 18% drop in sales.    Producer: Rosie Gillott  Assistant Producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

'Absolutely nuts' was how former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Rishi Sunak’s plan to gradually phase out smoking – banning anyone born since the start of 2009 from ever being able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products like vapes.    Liz Truss, who was also briefly prime minister in-between the two men, is also among some critical of the proposal – which she described as 'profoundly unconservative'.    Tories are being given a free vote in the Commons – allowing them to vote with their conscience, not necessarily the government.    But will the policy create a smokefree generation? And what will it mean for Conservative Party ideology?    Niall Paterson looks at the health implications with Alice Wiseman, vice president of The Association of Directors of Public Health, and the politics of the policy with Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby and Tory peer Lord Frost, who disagrees with the planned legislation.    Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse  Podcast Promotions Producer: Iona Brunker Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editors: Philly Beaumont and Paul Stanworth

Military experts have called Iran's ariel attack on Israel on Saturday night 'ambitious' and warn it could push an already fragile region into a dangerous new phase. On the Sky News Daily, host Matt Barbet examines how Iran and Israel's 'shadow war' has moved out into the open, alongside defence and security analyst Michael Clarke.  Matt is also joined by Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian, affiliated lecturer in international relations of the Middle East at the University of Cambridge, to examine what Iran was really trying to achieve from its attack.Producer: Rosie Gillott  Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku  Editor: Philly Beaumont

On Saturday night Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel, which Tehran has claimed is in retaliation for an attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus by Israel on 1 April.    Some 170 explosive drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles were launched by Iran, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), who said "99%" were intercepted.     Leaders across the world have condemned the attack and stated their support for Israel’s security. However, Iran's foreign ministry said they would "not hesitate" to take "further defensive measures" to "safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions".    On this extra Sky News Daily episode, Rob Powell sits down with our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss the significance and implications of Iran’s attack, and the response from Israel and its allies. Producer: Rosie Gillott  Editor: Paul Stanworth

Ex-armed forces minister James Heappey has told Sky's defence and security editor Deborah Haynes the UK should consider sending its forces to Ukraine to train troops.  On the Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire talks to her and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke about the interview with Mr Heappey, who stepped down from his role last month.  They assess the bleak situation in Ukraine and why the conflict is at a critical stage. They also discuss how prepared the UK would be if it faced a war in the near future. Senior producer: Annie Joyce  Editor: Wendy Parker

The death of arguably one of America’s most talked about names in the 1990s has re-ignited conversations about who OJ Simpson was and how he will be remembered.  The former NFL star was tried and acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. He later spent time in jail for armed robbery and kidnap. On the Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our US correspondent James Matthews as they discuss his life and the controversies surrounding the 76-year-old, who died on Wednesday following his battle with cancer. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Rosie Gillott, Soila Apparicio Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editors: Paul Stanworth, Wendy Parker

President Biden has stated US support for Israel is 'ironclad' after reports an Iranian attack is imminent. Iran had promised to retaliate after Israel killed a top Iranian commander in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month. It has led to fears the Israel-Gaza war could escalate to a wider Middle East conflict. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu did nothing to allay concerns when he said his forces were preparing for scenarios in other areas.  On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall about how ready Israel is for any attacks by Iran and what its next moves might be. Plus, retired Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell, who is a military analyst, details Iran's military capabilities and what form an attack by Tehran might take. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John, Iona BrunkerEditor: Wendy Parker

More than 55,000 asylum seekers whose applications have been refused since 2011 may not have left the UK.The analysis of Home Office data does not include partners or children - so could be even higher.On the Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our communities correspondent Becky Johnson about how delays in deporting failed applicants have led to some people being able to make multiple appeals.In one case, an asylum seeker has been in limbo for 18 years.Also, immigration lawyer Harjap Singh Bhangal talks about why so many appeals against deportation are successful. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse  Assistant producer: Iona BrunkerPodcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku  Editor: Wendy Parker

Yemen is in the middle of a humanitarian disaster after nearly a decade of civil war between the Saudi and Western-backed government, and the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. As Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford has found, war in Gaza is making the situation even worse for Yeminis already facing violence, starvation and disease. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Alex and Yemen-born producer Ahmed Baider to explore how Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, ostensibly in support of Gaza, are preventing aid from getting into Yemen.  Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Producer: Rosie GillottAssistant Producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on a house sale, almost a decade ago.     She denies any wrongdoing and has been backed by the party's leader Sir Keir Starmer, with some colleagues claiming she's being "smeared".     On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin unpicks exactly what Angela Rayner is accused of and discusses if the allegations are really in the public interest with Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell.     They also talk about how important Ms Rayner is to Labour's election ambitions with polling expert Scarlett Maguire.   Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Next week, millions of people across North America will be able to see a total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. A total solar eclipse - where the moon moves in front of the sun - happens about every 18 months. However, it rarely takes place over land, so next week's is an incredibly rare opportunity for scientists and amateurs alike to witness the phenomenon.On the Sky News Daily, our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire chats to NASA's deputy administrator and retired astronaut Pam Melroy about why solar eclipses are so important for scientists and learning more about the Earth and our nearest star.In addition, our science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore explains why eclipses happen - and why the vast majority in the UK won't be lucky enough to see it.You can watch our live coverage of the total eclipse on Monday 8th April, 7pm to 10pm, on the Sky News channel, the Sky News app or on our YouTube channel. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Producers: Rosie Gillott & Soila Apparicio Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Three former Supreme Court justices have warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the UK is breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel.   They are among over 600 lawyers and academics who are signatories of a 17-page letter, which also urges ministers to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza and resume funding to the UNRWA aid agency. It comes as civil servants overseeing arms exports could stop work over fears they may be complicit in war crimes.  On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire asks Michael Mansfield KC, head of chambers at Nexus Chambers and former judge on the Russell Tribunal on Palestine, about why he has signed the letter.   Plus, our political correspondent Rob Powell details the current government's arms dealing with Israel and the response to calls to stop supplying weapons.  Senior producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-CharlesEditor: Philly Beaumont

The UK spends more than £50bn a year - 2.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - on defence, but government documents shared with Sky News show the country has no preparations for a nuclear war.   In January, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned the country is approaching a pre-war era and that in five years' time the UK could be looking at conflicts with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.   So, is the UK ready?   On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire is joined by our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, who has seen documents outlining the UK's preparedness for nuclear war, and asks former soldier and now defence policy expert, Robert Clark, what the military will need to do to prepare for war.  Producer: Soila Apparicio  Editor: Philly Beaumont

Aid group World Central Kitchen says seven members of its team have been killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza. The charity said the volunteers had just unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea. The foreign nationals killed were from the UK, Australia, Poland, and a dual US-Canadian citizen.    Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari offered "deepest condolences" to the founder of the charity World Central Kitchen over the "tragic" deaths of its aid workers.    Aid convoys attempting to reach northern Gaza have either been forced to turn back or simply not made the journey because the risk of being hit by Israeli fire was too great. How will the latest deaths affect the work of aid agencies in the Palestinian territory?   On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire explores what working in a 'death zone' in Gaza looks like for volunteers with Ahmed Bayram, media adviser for MENA (Middle East and North Africa) at the Norwegian Refugee Council.    Plus, our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall reports on whether the IDF's review of the deaths will be enough to reassure foreign governments and humanitarian organisations.   Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Editor: Philly Beaumont

It’s the height of lockdown, 19-year-old Ellie Williams claims on social media she's been raped and exploited by an Asian grooming gang across the north of England. Photos of her alleged injuries add to the outrage and the post goes viral - shared more than 100,000 times.  Social media rumours lead to attacks on Asian men and businesses in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. But when she's arrested for perverting the course of justice, things really explode and there are protest rallies and claims of a cover-up.  At her trial, the prosecution say she lied, faked text messages and even caused the catalogue of injuries to herself.    In season 6 of StoryCast, Sky News' Jason Farrell and Liz Lane, who reported on the case at the time, return to Barrow to investigate what could have led her to make these claims and if, underneath it all, there is some other truth buried among the lies.  With access to her family, police investigators and those most impacted by her allegations, we ask: Is Ellie Williams a villain - or a victim of something else? And what happened after the trial - once all the media attention died down and new allegations began to emerge?   This is episode one of Unreliable Witness. For the full season, follow Unreliable Witness wherever you get your podcasts.

The amount of raw sewage being spilled into England’s waterways has hit a record high – more than doubling since last year.  Water companies are allowed to do this, but only in exceptional circumstances to prevent sewage washing back up into our homes.  But, there’s growing evidence sewage is being routinely dumped by water firms when it’s not needed, polluting England’s waters more to the point where rowers in this year’s Oxford and Cambridge boat race have been warned not to go into the Thames.  Customers could end up paying more too – as water companies in England and Wales want bills to increase to fund the necessary infrastructure upgrades.  On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by climate reporter Victoria Seabrook and business correspondent Paul Kelso to explain how England’s rivers and seas have got to this state and what this could mean for our water bills.   Producer: Alex Edden Assistant producer: Iona Brunker  Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth 

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a cargo ship leaving the US city of Baltimore catastrophically struck a major bridge. The entire middle section of the 1.6-mile-long Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River.  The ship lost power as it left the port, but the crew had enough time to make a mayday call so officials on the bridge were able to shut it to most traffic. Two people were rescued from the water but several people are still missing.  There are now questions about how such a large vessel lost control and how the huge structure of the bridge crumbled so quickly.   On today's edition of the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to our US Correspondent Martha Kelner in Baltimore and our Science Correspondent Thomas More. Plus, Ben Schafer, a structural engineer at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University explains why the bridge fell so quickly.   Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker  Editor: Wendy Parker

Four men have been charged with carrying out an attack at a concert in Moscow on Friday that killed more than 130 people. They all appeared in court on Monday heavily bruised with swollen faces and black eyes – with one attending in a wheelchair wearing a hospital gown.  The Islamic State group said it carried out the attack on the Crocus City Hall, but President Putin has insisted Ukraine was involved. President Zelenskyy has strongly denied the claims and hit out at the Russian leader and others in Moscow, describing them as “scum”.   Questions are now mounting for President Putin as it emerged the US government warned Russia two weeks ago that an attack by extremists on “large gatherings including concerts” was imminent.  On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and international correspondent in Moscow Diana Magnay to discuss the mood in the Russian capital and how President Putin could react.Producer: Alex Edden Assistant producer: Iona Brunker  Editor: Paul Stanworth  

The US has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the first time as secretary of state Antony Blinken lands in Tel Aviv for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An American-sponsored resolution demanding a truce was rejected by the UN Security Council. The US policy change comes amid fears the Palestinian territory could be on the brink of famine. On the Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall about how much US support for Israel is wavering.  Plus, Sky’s special correspondent Alex Crawford discusses the importance of being able to report freely from inside Gaza - something she and other foreign journalists have been unable to do since Hamas's attack on southern Israel on 7 October.   The war has meant images and information from inside Gaza have mostly come from a few Palestinian journalists in the territory. Foreign journalists can only report in Gaza while accompanied by Israeli authorities, who say it is for safety reasons. Senior producer: Annie Joyce  Producer: Alex Edden and Sydney Pead Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Wendy Parker