Sky News Daily

Joe Biden couldn't remember when he was vice president, according to a new report. And, according to the same investigation, he couldn't remember when his son died. Then, when trying to reassure everyone about the claims about his memory, he confused the presidents of Mexico and Egypt. Not ideal for someone who wants to run for president - and even worse for someone already doing the job. So what has the speculation done for his election chances this year - and for those of his rival, Donald Trump? Yalda Hakim presents this Sky News Daily with political strategist Hilary Rosen and pollster Scarlett Maguire. Senior podcast producer: Annie JoycePodcast producer: Alex Edden Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Wendy Parker

After weeks of confusion, Sir Keir Starmer has finally announced a row back in Labour's pledge to spend £28bn a year on its flagship green prosperity plan. While the policy will not be completely scrapped, the climbdown comes in the form of the party's spending commitments. The party says the £28bn target will be dropped due to uncertain public finances, and comes a week after Labour's shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves refused to commit to the green spending target ten times, in an interview with Sky's Beth Rigby. On Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson explores this latest backtrack with our deputy political editor Sam Coates and our science and technology editor Tom Clarke. Podcast producers: Sydney Pead and Alex Edden Assistant producer: Evan Dale Editor: Wendy Parker

Chants of 'shame' were heard during Prime Minister's Questions today, after Rishi Sunak made a cutting remark about trans-rights aimed towards Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer. The mother of Brianna Ghey was in Parliament today - just days after her daughter's killers were sentenced.Niall Paterson speaks to our political correspondent, Amanda Akass, about the prime minister's comments and the backlash. Also - should the government pay compensation to the thousands of victims who suffered injuries from pelvic mesh implants and the epilepsy drug, Valproate?It follows a new report calling on the government to urgently set up a financial package worth half a billion pounds, after Sky News reported regulators knew of the effects of Valproate since the 1970s but failed to disclose them to patients.Our home editor, Jason Farrell, looks at the prospects the victims have of receiving compensation, and the damage caused by the scandal. Podcast producers: Alex Edden and Sydney Pead Assistant producer: Evan Dale Interview

In Buckingham Palace’s statement about the King’s cancer diagnosis, it said: “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.” Britain still lags behind comparable countries when it comes to improving cancer survival rates. So what’s a more typical NHS experience for the almost 400,000 cases diagnosed each year – including the wait between diagnosis and treatment. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson explores the issue with our data and forensics correspondent, Tom Cheshire, and Dr Katharine Halliday, president of The Royal College of Radiologists. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Assistant producers: Evan Dale and Iona Brunker Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

Buckingham Palace has revealed King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. While it's not been revealed what type he's being treated for, we know it's not prostate cancer. The announcement marks a big shift in how much the public is being told about a British monarch's health. On this special episode of the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin takes a closer look at what we know so far, its significance and what might happen next with our royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills and Sky's royal commentator, Alistair Bruce. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Junior podcast producer: Evan Dale Editor: Dave Terris

Two years after power-sharing collapsed in Northern Ireland, Stormont is back in business with Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill becoming its first nationalist First Minister. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met leaders of the new restored devolved government, asking them to focus on day-to-day issues rather than the issue of Irish unity. On the Sky News Daily, Jonathan Samuels looks at how much closer we could be to a united Ireland. He’s joined by our senior Ireland correspondent David Blevins to explain the significance of Michelle O’Neill’s historic appointment, while Deirdre Heenan, professor of social policy at Ulster University, and Brian Feeney, historian and political columnist with the Irish News, explore the reunification debate. Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Junior podcast producer: Evan DaleInterviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker

The names of two teenagers who murdered 16-year-old schoolgirl Brianna Ghey have been revealed for the first time just hours before they were sentenced. Sixteen-year-olds Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, who were both 15 at the time of the attack in Warrington, Cheshire, last February, were told they will spend a minimum of 22 and 20 years in prison respectively. Under-18s are not usually named in the UK criminal justice system for welfare reasons but judges can make exceptions if they think it is in the public interest. This case has reignited the debate over whether children who kill should ever be named.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson explores the issue with Laura O’Brien, who represents children and young adults at Hodge Jones and Allen Solicitors, and David James Smith, author of The Sleep of Reason: The James Bulger Case. Podcast producer: Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotion producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Park

Labour’s Rachel Reeves wants to be the next chancellor. She’s used an event in London to try to convince hundreds of business leaders that her party is the best option for the British economy. The shadow chancellor said she’d cap corporation tax at 25% for five years if she’s the one moving into 11 Downing Street. But when asked by Sky News if Labour will drop plans to spend £28bn a year on green energy, she wasn’t so committed. On the Sky News Daily, Sophy Ridge sits in for Niall Paterson to discuss if Labour is convincing business with its message. She’s joined by economics and data editor Ed Conway. Plus, Paul Drechsler, president of the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) - and both a former CBI president and ex-prime minister David Cameron's 'skills tsar' - to find out why he believes that Labour is "winning" the economic argument. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has told the COVID Inquiry: "I was the first minister when the pandemic struck and part of me wishes I hadn't been.” She denied that she used platforms including WhatsApp to have serious policy discussions. She said she'd deleted messages but relevant information was all on public records. On this Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson goes through her answers with Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies. They also talk about whether the pandemic claims have damaged her leadership legacy. Plus, with claims of key Tory cabinet names being part of an "Evil Plotters" WhatsApp group this week - our deputy political editor Sam Coates on the impact WhatsApp messages are having on politics. Producers: Soila Apparicio and Alex Edden Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

After nearly two years of political deadlock in Northern Ireland, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) agreed a deal on Monday to restore power sharing to the country, which will be subject to legislation by the UK government. The DUP walked out over post-Brexit trade arrangements that created trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. There's been a big impact on public services and a new power sharing government is being promised over £3bn to spend on them. And new post Brexit border controls coming in from 31 January could result higher prices and delays in fresh goods coming in from the EU. On the Sky News Daily with Niall Paterson, our senior Ireland correspondent David Blevins takes us through the significance of the DUP’s agreement. Plus, our business correspondent Paul Kelso explains the latest warnings on trade with Patricia Michelson, founder of London cheese chain La Fromagerie which has been importing artisan cheese from Europe for 40 years. Producer: Emma Rae WoodhouseSenior podcas

Something a little different today from the Sky News podcast team: episode 1 of Patient 11, a new investigation from Sky News and the Independent.Young mother and former GB youth swimmer, Alexis Quinn, agrees to enter NHS England psychiatric care following a family tragedy. She could never imagine that her three-day admission will turn into a three-year ordeal. Then undiagnosed with autism, and often the subject of 24-hour surveillance as well as long periods in solitary confinement, Alexis descends to the darkest reaches of locked-in, psychiatric care. There, she encounters the kind of threat she never could have imagined in a secure mental health hospital. In a bid to break free, Alexis plots a daring escape. Making it back to her daughter, however, will pit her against some of the most powerful institutions in the State, including the police.This episode contains discussions about sexual assault. Narrated by Nicholas Pinnock (Top Boy, Django, For Life). To hear all episodes now, follow Patient 11 on your f

Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s longest serving prime minister but also one of the most divisive figures in Israeli politics. He was facing huge protests from Israelis against his government long before the October 7 terrorist attacks, and now he is under growing pressure from both inside Israel and from his international allies over his Gaza strategy. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson takes a closer look at the man himself, how he has managed to survive so long at the forefront of Israeli politics and whether Gaza could change that. Niall’s joined by our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall as they discuss Netanyahu’s unpopularity, his record and stance on a two-state solution. Plus, Israeli political analyst Daliah Scheindlin on how long she thinks Israel’s PM can maintain his grip on power. Podcast producer: Sydney Pead Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Promotion producer: Jonathan Day Editor: Wendy Parker

The man who killed three people, and injured three others, has been sentenced to detention in a high-security hospital – with the judge saying he'll probably remain there for the rest of his life. Valdo Calocane fatally stabbed 19-year-olds Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar and school caretaker Ian Coates in Nottingham in June last year. Speaking outside court, relatives of the victims criticised police, prosecutors and the NHS – saying they felt "let down" as Calocane’s mental health issues were widely known. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what more could have been done to prevent the killings as he's joined by our communities correspondent Becky Johnson and Lisa Townsend, who is Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and mental health lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.Since recording this episode, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said the organisation had "robustly" reviewed its care of Calocane between May 2020 and September 2020.

The head of the British Army has said we should "train and equip" a "citizen army" to prepare the country for any potential land war.The comments from General Sir Patrick Sanders, who stands down as chief of the general staff in six months, are being seen as a warning that British men and women could be called up to the armed forces if NATO was to go to war with Russia.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson gets reaction from former defence secretary Sir Michael Fallon and Sky's defence analyst Professor Michael Clarke as they examine the UK's military preparedness.Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Sydney PeadInterviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotion producer: Jonathan Day Editor: Paul Stanworth

A second major wave of airstrikes has been carried out by American and British forces on Houthi targets in Yemen in response to the group's attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. The first round of strikes did not deter the Houthis from continuing to attack shipping and the prime minister was pushed in the House of Commons today on what Britain's long-term strategy would be if the Houthis keep up their attacks. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Michael Clarke and Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to analyse the latest decisions made in the conflict. Plus, Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates discusses the politics behind the strikes and what the endgame looks like on home soil. Producer: Alex EddenEditor: Wendy Parker

Throughout the 2000s, serious allegations of child sex abuse became known to Greater Manchester Police. Girls as young as 11 were identified as potential victims. An independent review covering a period between 2004 and 2013, which was published last week, detailed multiple failed investigations by police and an apparent indifference to the safety of the young girls identified as possible victims. Now, one anonymous whistleblower who resigned from GMP last year says the force has not changed and that failures have left a paedophile ring at large for at least seven years. On the Sky News Daily, presenter Anna Jones is joined by our home editor Jason Farrell who has spoken to the anonymous former detective constable. Plus, ex-GMP detective constable Maggie Oliver, who blew the whistle on the poor handling of the Rochdale child sex abuse ring case by the force years ago, reacts to the new accusations. Producers: Soila Apparicio and Alex Edden Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

Former prime minister Gordon Brown told Sky News he was too old to be a politician in the UK but too young to be one in the US. He has a point, with Americans set to choose between 81-year-old Joe Biden or 77-year-old Donald Trump in November's presidential election, while here in Europe, France's new prime minister is 34-year-old Gabriel Attal. On the Sky News Daily, host Niall Paterson explores whether there is a perfect age for our politicians. He talks to Labour's Harriet Harman, who is the longest-serving woman MP and 'Mother of the House of Commons'. The 73-year-old representative for Camberwell and Peckham has been an MP for more than 40 years. Niall also speaks to Amy Callaghan, SNP MP for East Dunbartonshire, who was elected in 2019 aged 27. They discuss what makes a good MP, the challenges women MPs face when elected, and if age in politics is just a number. Producer: Soila Apparicio Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

The Home Office says it has closed 50 hotels to asylum seekers - something it had pledged to do by the end of this month with a promise to house them in cheaper types of accommodation like the Bibby Stockholm barge. But Sky News has found that asylum seekers are simply being taken from taxpayer-funded hotels and moved to other hotels. Our reporters have seen taxis full of migrants leaving one hotel only to arrive at another 70 miles away. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our communities correspondent Becky Johnson and her producer Nick Stylianou who have been investigating. Plus, deputy political editor Sam Coates analyses Rishi Sunak's morning news conference to journalists, after seeing off a Tory rebellion over his Rwanda bill on Wednesday. Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Podcast producer: Alex Edden Promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editors: Philly Beaumont and Dave Terris

Rishi Sunak has faced the toughest test of his premiership as MPs voted to save the government's Rwanda policy. The measures aimed at tackling the small boats crisis form the core of Mr Sunak's election strategy.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at the fallout of the vote with our deputy political editor Sam Coates, as they discuss what it means for the prime minister's political future. Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Philly Beaumont

The man who has led fellow former sub postmasters in their campaign to overturn wrongful convictions, Alan Bates, was among those giving evidence to MPs today. The bosses of the Post Office and Fujitsu also faced the committee for the first time with the Post Office chief executive, Nick Read, admitting that it was possible that money paid by victims of the Horizon IT scandal may have been paid to Post Office executives.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what else we learned from the exchanges, as he is joined by journalist Nick Wallis, who wrote the book The Great Post Office Scandal, and Seema Misra, a former post office operator who was cleared of theft from the Post Office after being convicted and jailed in 2010.Podcast producer: Alex Edden Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker