This Is Why

A new strain of Ebola virus has been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation.

More than 300 suspected cases have been identified – with at least 80 deaths reported. The outbreak is mostly confined to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but two cases have already spread to Uganda.

Plus, a number of American citizens have also been exposed to the virus.

Niall speaks to Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir and health correspondent Ashish Joshi about exactly what Ebola is and why the wider world should care about the outbreak.

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

The constituency of Makerfield has been a Labour safe seat for generations, but in the May elections, Reform UK won nearly every seat that was up for grabs at the local council.

So how much of a gamble is it for Andy Burnham to try to stage a Commons return here?

In his favour is his personal popularity in Greater Manchester and the fact he grew up in the area. Against him is the momentum of Reform and the fact that Makerfield hasn't benefitted from some of Burnham's key policies as mayor of the city.

To discuss his chances, Niall speaks to Rob Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester.

Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk

On Thursday lunchtime, Wes Streeting resigned from Sir Keir Starmer’s government. The now-former health secretary said he had “lost confidence” in the PM’s premiership – the first cabinet minister to jump ship.

But what he didn’t say (yet) is that he will challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership – and with it, the keys to Number 10.

So, why hasn’t Streeting fired the starting gun on a contest his critics say he’s been desperate to fight? What sort of leader might he eventually be, and what’s his track record in government?

Niall is joined by Sky News’ political correspondent Rob Powell.

Watch Wes Streeting’s appearance on Electoral Dysfunction with Beth Rigby here.

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

The UK is providing jets, drones and our only operational Type 45 destroyer – HMS Dragon – as part of a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands of tankers and cargo ships remain stranded after the Strait was closed at the end of February due to the Iran war.

Defence Secretary John Healey has stressed the deployment is a defensive measure to secure freedom of navigation – but will only be used once a ceasefire is in place.

Will these military assets actually make a difference, and how does the Ministry of Defence operate at a time of such political uncertainty?

Niall is joined by military analyst Professor Michael Clarke to find out more about the mission and the equipment the UK is sending.

For more on HMS Dragon, you can listen to our episode with defence analyst Tom Sharpe here.

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

Keir Starmer is on the brink, as more and more Labour MPs and ministers call for his resignation – less than two years after he walked into Number 10.

He remains defiant (for now), but whatever the fate of the prime minister, his predicament is one we've seen repeated over the past decade in a seemingly never-ending cycle of chopping and changing leaders.

Since David Cameron's resignation in 2016 – after Britain voted to leave the European Union – no prime minister has served a full parliamentary term.

Gareth Barlow speaks to pollster and founder at Merlin Strategy Scarlett Maguire about our impatience with politics and why the country feels ungovernable.

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