This Is Why

Last week, Iran tried to target the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia – more than 2,000 miles away in the Indian Ocean.
That attack failed but it led an Israel military spokesperson to suggest London could be vulnerable to an Iranian ballistic missile strike.
With Keir Starmer now allowing the use of British air bases for US operations against attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, is Iran capable of direct retaliation against the UK?
What is the state of Britain’s air defences? And what other means does Tehran have at its disposal to threaten us?
Niall speaks to Sky’s defence analyst, Professor Michael Clarke.
Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us: [email protected]

Saturday Night Live has launched the careers of Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell among many others in its 50 year long run on NBC in the US.
It’s now coming to the UK with Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan and Riz Ahmed hosting the first shows.
As in the US there’s an ensemble cast of comedy players so how important could SNL UK be for the comedy scene?
Niall speaks to the creator and host of the Saturday Night Network podcast, Jon Schneider about what makes SNL so successful and asks comedian Rosie Holt what difference British comedians will make to it.
Saturday Night Live UK launches on Sky and streaming service NOW at 10pm on 21 March 2026.

Nearly half of young adults are turning to low or non-alcoholic drinks - with the number nearly doubling since 2018.
To understand why Gen Z has been making this clear-headed decision you need look no further than the “sober curious” movement - with social media influencers promoting the benefits of a booze-free lifestyle.
Excessive drinking was once seen as a right of passage in early adulthood – so what’s changed? And as the pub industry already faces significant challenges – how can it adapt to cater for a more sober generation?
Niall is joined by sober curious influencer Millie Gooch and Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality.

Should the US have predicted there would be a siege at the Strait of Hormuz? Why wasn’t the UK better prepared for this conflict?
This Is Why has been asking for your questions about the Iran war and in this special episode they are about to be answered.
From the delay in the departure of HMS Dragon, to whether Donald Trump would now be less likely to offer the UK military support – this wide-ranging episode is shaped by your messages.
Who is on hand to respond to them? It’s Sky’s military analyst Professor Michael Clarke.
Have you got a question for a future episode of This Is Why? Email the show - [email protected]

Sir Keir Starmer is promising help for working people whose energy bills are going up because of the Iran war.
The last energy bailout after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine cost £40bn, and on top of the costs of support during the COVID pandemic it means the UK's national debt is now around 100% of GDP.
Repaying that debt costs as much as the education budget.
With a new YouGov poll for Sky News suggesting that people overwhelmingly back energy prices being reduced for all households, Niall discusses who would pay for an energy bailout with Sky's data and economics editor Ed Conway.