👉 Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app 👈

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

This week, Saharan dust has been moving across Europe.

With the Atlantic weather systems heading towards the UK, many are questioning if this will result in “blood rain”, a term used to describe rain that appears tinted red due to the presence of dust in the atmosphere, impacting the UK on Wednesday or Thursday.

However, the Met Office has provided some clarity regarding this phenomenon.

What is Blood Rain?

It’s important to note that ‘blood rain’ is not a scientific term.

The rain’s red tint can range from a mild rusty colour to deeper reds, depending on the concentration of dust in the air during a downpour.

Look closely and you can spot some Saharan dust on the satellite images that is now drifting towards southern parts of the UK 🛰️

This is likely to cause some hazier skies in our weather this weekend 🌥️ pic.twitter.com/IrT5x7sM2K

— Met Office (@metoffice) March 5, 2026

Advertisement

Typically, these particles are abundant in iron oxides, lending them the red hue.

For the rain to visibly appear red, a relatively high concentration of these particles needs to mix with the droplets in the atmosphere during a downpour.

Where does it happen?

More commonly, though, rain appears normal and may leave a thin film of dust on surfaces once dried.

Regarding the upcoming days, the UK, especially the southern parts, can expect a plume of dust coming northward from the Sahara Desert.

This atmospheric event may lead to dust settling out with the rain on Wednesday and Thursday.

Despite the looming presence of this phenomenon, the Met Office assures that the density of dust in the rain will remain low.

(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Resulting Rainfall Pattern

This means the rainfall won’t appear distinctly red, but rather, will likely leave a light layer of yellowish or brownish particles on cars and windows once it dries.

For those in the southwest, overnight and early-morning rain on Thursday could carry these dust particles due to a moist south-westerly airflow interacting with a broad dust plume.

Conversely, dust levels for other parts of the UK are forecast to remain even lower, resulting in non-differential rainfall.

Residents in the region may notice a light dusting on vehicles, decreased visibility at high altitudes, and possibly, notably vibrant sunrises and sunsets caused by the scattering effect of the airborne dust particles on sunlight.

On the brighter side, the expected dust levels carry no significant health threats.

People with sensitive respiratory systems may only perceive a minor increase in airborne particles until the rain clears the atmosphere.

If you’re planning to wash your car, waiting until the end of the week may be wise, as additional dust pulses could reach the UK before conditions settle.

The foreign minister of Cyprus told Sky News that British bases are the target of military action, not his country, as he expressed his “dissatisfaction” with the UK’s response to the Iran war.

The country’s foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, welcomed the deployment of additional UK forces but said the deployment of assets to the country was coming “from the EU primarily”.

Follow Iran latest

The support of Greece, France and Spain was highlighted by Mr Kombos in an interview with Sky News, as he explained how the country was “creating a collective shield”.

“The UK has deployed its own forces; we are waiting for them to be incorporated into the system,” he said.

He also reminded the British government of its “responsibilities in relation to its bases”, stressing that it was not Cyprus being targeted, but British bases on the island.

“Right now, what matters is we get through this crisis.

“After this crisis ends, hopefully we will be able to reflect… and see what happened and what could have happened,” Mr Kombos said.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Sky News’ Mornings With Ridge and Frost on Monday that the RAF base Akrotiri in Cyprus had been hit by a one-way attack drone.

The strike hit the airport’s runway in an attack which Mr Kombos said didn’t cause “any real damage”.

Read more from:
Royal Navy’s destroyer will arrive too late for Cyprus
Panic in Beirut as Israeli rhetoric sparks fears of all-out war

On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the UK’s military response in the run-up to and aftermath of US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, that killed the country’s leader.

Six RAF F35 jets were sent before the war started to reinforce the eight Typhoons permanently stationed in Cyprus.

Since then, ground-based, short-range air defences have also been deployed, and Wildcat helicopters, which have the capability to detect drones, are due to arrive in Cyprus over the weekend.

The UK is also deploying HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defence destroyer, to Cyprus. Though it won’t arrive in the region till next week.

Mr Starmer also announced on Thursday that four additional Typhoons would be deployed to Qatar as strikes against Iran by US and Israeli forces continue.

The letter, from Robin Bishop and Gordon Massey, states: “Our principal concern at this point is the clear conflict of interest since the mayor controls Transport for London, which not only owns the site and runs the Tube and bus services connecting it to our neighbourhood, but has commissioned the project and stands to profit from its construction. That is setting, writing and marking your own homework.

Helen Newall, 43, who has owned The Little Dress Shop for the last seven years said she was “over the moon” to be nominated for the Richmond Business and Tourism Association awards thanks to her creative window displays.

She said: “It was such a surprise. I found out last week when I was at the theatre with my friends and I couldn’t believe it.

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

“I have no idea who nominated me, but I am so grateful as it is the first time I have been put forward for this award.

“I knew about the Business Awards before, but when I’d looked in the past there wasn’t really a category that my shop fitted into.

“It wasn’t until I got the email that I realised there was an award for windows, which they haven’t done before. I’ve got no idea who nominated us, but it’s really lovely.”

The boutique, which specialises in occasion wear, including gowns, fascinators, hats, and accessories originally opened in April 2019 alongside her friend part-time.

However, after being made redundant, Helen took over the shop full time and it has now gone from strength to strength.

The nomination recognises the shop’s eye-catching window displays, despite what Helen describes as being one of the smallest shop windows in the town.

She said: “It’s quite hard to showcase everything I sell because I only have one of each item and my window is so small.

“But I try to theme the window, whether that’s Easter, Valentine’s Day or a colour theme.”

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

Past displays have included a Princess Jasmine-inspired scene during the year of the Aladdin pantomime and a ball gown made from 14 Union flags for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which won a town council window display competition.

“I just like trying to create something that catches people’s eye”, she said.

The nomination has already received a positive response from customers and friends.

The Little Dress Shop (Image: Helen Newall)

The 43-year-old said: “Everyone’s been really supportive.

“People have been congratulating me, although I have to keep reminding them it’s just the nomination for now!”

Shortlisted businesses are expected to be announced on March 23. Those shortlisted will then be invited to attend the awards ceremony on April 17, at The Station Cafe Bar.

You can find the shop at 13a Finkle Street, Richmond, DL10 4QA.

HM Inspectors of Education highlighted how impressed they were.

A report by HM Inspectors of Education highlighted how impressed they were with the pride that pupils have shown for their school.

The inspection team also highlighted in the HMIe Report that the youngsters at Crawforddyke Primary School in Carluke were enthusiastic learners, were kind and caring, self-confident and determined children who respected the teaching environment and their interactions with the teaching staff.

Children were also highly motivated and were making good progress with their learning.

And led ably by the head teacher, all staff provide pupils with learning which meets their needs and creates a consistently high-quality, meaningful and relevant learning programme.

Head teacher Angela Gibson said: “I am proud and delighted with the outcome of our recent HMIe Inspection, particularly as it recognises what an amazing team we have here.

“The report highlights just how committed our pupils and staff are to their school, their learning and their community, while also commending what a warm, nurturing and exciting place it is.

“Our school is always in motion, always looking for ways to ensure our learners have the best possible experiences in their classrooms and beyond.

“We are very confident this will continue as we journey together.”

Following the recommendations of the report, the staff will continue to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy across the school.

READ MORE: South Lanarkshire confirms World Cup bank holiday and extended pub hoursREAD MORE: First look at housing plans for former Hamilton education site

Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, the chair of the council’s Education Committee, said: “Thank you to all the staff, pupils and parents for their hard work, and their dedication to their school.

“It’s particularly pleasing to read that the school meet learners needs well through an inclusive learning approach.

“The whole school community thoroughly deserves all the praise and positive feedback highlighted in the report.”

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: Wild swimming artist immerses himself in paintings inspired by water

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Islamic militants attacked a town in northeastern Nigeria on Friday, abducting more than 300 people, including women and children, local officials said.

The attack happened in the town of Ngoshe in Borno state, according to Bulama Sawa, an official from the Gwoza area. He told The Associated Press the attack was likely in retaliation for an operation by the military that killed three commanders of the militant Boko Haram group.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for Friday’s attack. Nigeria is battling a complex security crisis from different armed groups. The United States has sent troops to the West African nation to help advise its military on the fight against insecurity.

Separate attacks this week also took place in the communities of Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok between Wednesday and early Friday, according to a military spokesperson.

The spokesperson, Uba Sani, said the troops were able to repel the attacks on Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok, but “a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” along with a senior officer. He did not elaborate on military casualties.

Sani described the assaults as “failed attacks” and “increasing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure across the theatre.”

Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group and known as Islamic State West Africa Province. There is also the IS-linked Lakurawa, as well as other “bandit” groups that specialize in kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining.

Recently, the crisis has worsened to include other militants from the neighboring Sahel region, including the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which claimed its first attack on Nigerian soil last year. Several thousand people in Nigeria have been killed, according to data from the United Nations. Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens.

Action has been taken to clean part of a beloved Cambridge common which residents felt was ‘left to rot’

A beloved nature reserve that residents felt was “left to rot” has been cleared – but there are calls for more to be done. CambridgeshireLive reported locals in Chesterton were unhappy with the state of Stourbridge Common in Cambridge on Thursday (March 5).

Ryan Henniker, chair of the East Chesterton Residents Group, described the nature reserve as an “important area for wildlife”, but said it had been left neglected by Cambridge City Council, which maintains it. The group highlighted ‘abandoned’ encampments at the meadow as one of their key concerns.

Part of the common had been cleared as of 3.30pm on March 5. Ryan said this is a “great first step in restoring the common”. However, he said the “job isn’t quite finished”.

He added: “There is a lot more rubbish to be cleaned up on those camp sites. The large bins by Green Dragon bridge need to be returned and an action plan to be put in place to restrict illegal camping before the summer hits.”

The council previously said it couldn’t clear the site due to weather conditions. A council spokesperson said: “The very wet and boggy conditions on the common this year had prevented our vehicles from accessing this area, but a recent improvement meant that we were able to visit the site of the abandoned illegal camp and clear it earlier this week.

“Camping on public land such as our parks and open spaces is not permitted, so we would ask people to report any instances they may see, through our website.

“We realise that people who camp in this way may only be doing so because they think they have no other options, but we would encourage anyone in this position to contact the council as soon as possible, as there are a range of different ways we can help people at risk of being homeless.”

An ex-girlfriend of Stephen McCullagh described how he hit her, threatened to burn “sentimental” belongings and secretly recorded counselling sessions about a stillbirth.

Mr McCullagh, 36, of Woodland Gardens, Lisburn, is accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, in December 2022.

During his trial at Belfast Crown Court, the woman, who can not be named for legal reasons, described how the couple first met at the end of 2015 and had an “off and on” relationship over the course of seven years.

On Friday, she told the court about an incident which took place over the last two days of 2019, which culminated in her attempting to take her own life by jumping out of a car Mr McCullagh was driving.

The court heard the pair had been separated, but tried to “reconcile the relationship” on December 30.

She said Mr McCullagh revealed he had tried to have sex with another woman but did not because “he said he loved me”.

Later, the court heard, while fixing her phone, McCullagh discovered photos and messages the woman had shared with another man.

When he discovered the images, she said, Mr McCullagh became angry, “slammed his fist into the bed” and shouted: “Why would you do this? Why would you do this? I thought you loved me.”

During cross examination, defence barrister John Kearney said Mr McCullagh had no recollection of punching the bed.

After spending the night of December 30 together, the pair continued to argue throughout the following day, the woman said she felt “embarrassed” she was messaging the other man and “I really did want a relationship back with Stephen.”

But she said: “There was no time while I was with the defendant that I was talking to this man.”

On New Year’s Eve, she said she continued to try “to explain myself”, but he did not want to “hear my side of the story” or “why I was messaging this man”.

She added, “I think I made it worse” because “I went on and on and on about it”.

The court heard that, after he returned home from work, they continued to argue, and Mr McCullagh suggested she return to her family home, but neither of them could reach her mother to come and collect her.

The woman said Mr McCullagh went into the garden for a cigarette and there was “a bit of a tussle” when she tried to “gently” pull him back into the house and he pushed her “abruptly” .

The court was told they went inside where the disagreement continued and, after the woman followed Mr McCullagh into the bathroom, she said he pushed her into the bath “with his elbow” where she sat for “a couple of seconds in shock”.

Mr Kearney said Mr McCullagh had “no recollection” of the bath incident.

They continued to argue past midnight and left the house in the early hours of the morning, with Mr McCullagh driving and the woman wearing a dressing gown and pyjamas, the court heard.

First, she said, he tried to bring her to the house of the man she had been messaging, saying: “If you are talking to him, if you want him as much as you said, I will bring you there right now.”

She said she made it clear to Mr McCullagh she wanted a relationship back with him, and the journey continued towards her family home.

At that stage, she said she was suicidal and told Mr McCullagh: “I don’t want to live any more”, unbuckled her seatbelt and tried to open the door and jump out.

The car was moving at about 45-50 miles per hour, she said.

Mr McCullagh stopped the car “abruptly” and pulled her back inside, she said, at that point he began to slap her across the face and punched her on the left side of her temple.

The woman said he told her, “I can kill myself in my own time” and “I don’t want this to be a murder car”.

Mr Kearney said it is “accepted” Mr McCullagh did slap her, but said he never punched the woman and denied using the language she described.

Also, during the car journey and as she reached her family home, she said Mr McCullagh threatened “pretty harshly” to share the images he had found on her phone with his family, her family and her workplace.

Mr Kearney said the defendant denied making the threats.

He also said he would “burn” and “destroy” sentimental possessions of hers.

Mr Kearney said Mr McCullagh claimed to have said: “A lesser man would smash your Playstation, or burn your stuff”.

After “pleading” with him, she said he “finally said he would bring them back to me”.

After the incident, encouraged by her mother, the woman reported Mr McCullagh to the police but withdrew her statement less than 48 hours later, saying: “I didn’t want him to go to prison.”

The relationship restarted following the pandemic, and the woman said she experienced a stillbirth on January 7 2022.

Suffering from poor mental health, she sought help from counselling services in the following months and counsellors came to Mr McCullagh’s house where she was living for the sessions.

The court heard how police contacted her in 2024 and told her some of those sessions had been recorded and found on his computers.

She said she had not been asked if she wanted them to be recorded and did not know they had been recorded.

Mr Kearney said it was Mr McCullagh’s case that he had offered to tape some of the sessions because the woman had told him she was struggling to remember what she had said during them.

She replied: “He never discussed with me recording my sessions.”

Stephen McCullagh denies murder.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.