This Is Why

120 super-rich people have signed an open letter calling for higher taxes on the richest in society.

They say taxing wealth more fairly could help reduce inequality, support public infrastructure and help small businesses. And point out that there are 50 families with more wealth than half of all British people. Critics, though, argue it could drive wealth overseas and damage economic growth.

So, what exactly are they proposing? And is there ever likely to be a wealth tax in the UK?

Niall Paterson is joined by Julia Davies, a founding member of Patriotic Millionaires UK

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

It's not just Andy Burnham who's been purging politicians from government.

There's a wartime power struggle in Ukraine, where Volodymyr Zelenskyy ousted his top army commander Oleksandr Syrskyi – before trying to bring the country's former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov back into government, just days after dismissing him.

The sacking of Fedorov led to almost a week of nationwide unrest and represents one of the biggest political crises since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

So, what does all this mean for Ukraine's ongoing struggle for survival? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.

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

Everybody needs good neighbours. And on the day Andy Burnham moved into 10 Downing Street, he installed a surprise choice next door at Number 11.

John Healey was highly critical of the Treasury when he quit as defence secretary last month, accusing it of being “unwilling” to provide the cash needed to fully fund his spending plans.

Now he’s the one who will have to put his money where his mouth is as the new chancellor. So, what challenges does he face and will he be able to find the cash Rachel Reeves supposedly couldn’t?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s business correspondent Paul Kelso.

"Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face." Mike Tyson's infamous warning for his opponents could easily apply to the new occupant of Number 10.

Giving his first speech outside Downing Street, the new prime minister hinted at what his priorities will be – from easing the cost-of-living crisis to keeping commitments on defence spending.

But what happens when those plans make contact with reality? Can Mr Burnham's "Manchesterism" work on a national level? And will international events interfere with his domestic agenda?

Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig to assess what might happen in his first few weeks and months in office.

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

Cabinet minister, Manchester mayor, ‘King of the North’ - Andy Burnham has held plenty of positions during his political career. But the next will be by far the most significant.

The Makerfield MP is poised to take over as prime minister on Monday, after finally succeeding at his third attempt to become Labour leader.

But who is the man behind the former Blair-era minister turned mayor of Manchester? How did his upbringing shape him and what underpins his politics?

Niall is joined by chief political correspondent of The Times, Aubrey Allegretti.

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