This Is Why

The warship HMS Dragon is now not expected to leave for the Mediterranean until next week to begin its mission to defend a British military base in Cyprus from attacks by Iran.

The ship is one of six Type 45 air defence destroyers in the Royal Navy and one of three that aren’t currently out of service.

It is well-equipped to deal with Iran’s Shahed-type drones, so why has it taken so long to send it to the region?

Niall speaks to defence analyst Tom Sharpe, who also spent 27 years in the Royal Navy, about the military capabilities of HMS Dragon, the state of the Navy currently, and when the warship might finally arrive in the Med.

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

Most people have had a bad experience on holiday – but not many will have seen their destination turn into a war zone.

That’s been the case for thousands of British travellers in places like Oman and Dubai following the start of the conflict with Iran.

The UK’s first repatriation flight was branded a “total shambles” - so what is the government doing to help both holiday makers and expats caught in the crossfire?

Niall is joined by Sky’s correspondent Sally Lockwood in Dubai.

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

The United States may have launched strikes on Iran this week, but Donald Trump also found time for a war of words.

This time, it was with the prime ministers of the UK and Spain – after they refused to allow America access to their airbases ahead of the attack.

Keir Starmer and Pedro Sanchez have responded with some tough words of their own – so why are they and other European leaders finally standing up to Trump?

Niall is joined by Sky’s defence analyst Michael Clarke.

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

Rachel Reeves may have delivered her Spring Forecast – but have events in the Middle East made the chancellor’s announcement redundant?

With President Trump predicting the Iran conflict could continue for a further four to five weeks, the world is starting to realise the economic consequences.

Global oil and gas prices are spiking and fuelling the threat of higher inflation and interest rates.

Niall is joined by Sky’s economics and data editor, Ed Conway, to discuss the effects on the UK economy – and why you might be feeling the pinch.

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

War is raging in the Middle East after the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iran.

Keir Starmer has risked his special relationship with Donald Trump by initially blocking the US from using UK airbases.

Despite later changing his mind, what kind of tightrope is the prime minister walking – and can he stop Britain being sucked into war?

Niall is joined on this first-ever episode of This Is Why by Sky’s security and defence editor Deborah Haynes and international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn.

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