This Is Why

It's been a busy week already for Andy Burnham - who approved his first military intervention as prime minister just hours before his inaugural meeting with Donald Trump.

The RAF will now provide Saudi Arabia with "purely defensive" air support against attacks from Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, after Burnham agreed to Riyadh’s request.

The Saudis had earlier been turned down by Trump – so why is the new PM so happy to help? And is it really due to cost-of-living pressures as he claims?

Niall Paterson is joined by Dr H A Hellyer, an expert in geopolitics across the Middle East and Europe and a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence.

There is more exclusive content on the situation in the Middle East on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.

Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.

Download and subscribe here.

Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.

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

The new Sky Original TV series The Wargame imagines a terrifying situation – and not just because Michael Gove is prime minister.

Vladimir Putin and Russia haven’t yet launched a military attack on UK soil, but the threat is rising.

That’s why the show picks a fantasy crisis team of real-life former ministers and ex-military chiefs to see how they might respond to such a potential attack.

So, what does The Wargame tell us about the UK’s readiness for all-out Russian aggression?

Niall Paterson is joined by the former Labour adviser Baroness Hazarika, who plays the government’s director of communications in the programme.

The Wargame, available on Sky and Now, is based on the hugely successful Sky News podcast of the same name. You can find the podcast series here.

Lots of people have fallen out with their brother-in-law over the years - but it’s perhaps never been as explosive as the row between the King and Earl Spencer.

In the latest royal drama involving the House of Windsor, the Palace has hit back at claims made by Princess Diana’s younger brother in a new book about his sister.

Among them is that the King was “giddily elated” after Diana’s death. So, what else is in Earl Spencer’s memoir and why is he making these bombshell allegations now?

Niall is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock.

Since recording this episode, Earl Spencer has told the BBC that he is 'telling the truth' about a phone conversation he had with the King after Diana's death.

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

Audio credit: BBC

This episode contains reference to suicide. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

Earlier this week, Niall interviewed Britain's most senior military official about why he believes this is the most dangerous moment for the UK in his 35-year career. Scroll back on your feed to find the episode.

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is looking for closer ties with Europe – but could an “associate” membership with the EU push the UK to the back of the queue?

Addressing the European Parliament, Carney welcomed the idea of forming a partnership, which could potentially give Canada closer ties on trade, defence, and technology.

The country is keen to strengthen its ties beyond the USA – with Donald Trump still intent on a punishing trade war. But what are the implications for the UK, as relations with Brussels continue to stall?

What would associate membership mean? And could Canada become a blueprint for other countries?

Niall Paterson speaks to director of the UK in a Changing Europe, Anand Menon.

The country is under threat. Russian aggression, war in the Middle East and a military which has been ‘hollowed out’ for decades have all led to a crisis point for the United Kingdom.

In a special episode of This Is Why, Britain’s most senior military official has explained why he believes this is the most dangerous moment in his 35-year career.

In a wide-ranging interview with Niall Paterson, the Chief of the Defence Staff – Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton – has also revealed:

• How John Healey’s resignation as defence secretary took him by surprise
• The battle for more military spending, and what to do with the money
• Why it’s vital to have an honest conversation about national resilience

There is more exclusive content with Sir Richard Knighton on the new Sky News Defence Insider app.

Sky News Defence Insider is a subscription app designed for audiences seeking deeper insight into defence, security and global affairs.

Download and subscribe here.

Paid subscription required for full access. UK only. 18+. T&Cs apply.

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