Despite that, it is very difficult to know what is really going on in Iraq and the extent of the humanitarian crisis. It looks increasingly likely that this war could go on for months, if not years. We cannot stand by and pretend we have no role and nothing to say. There is a clear need for political leadership and for us as a sovereign nation to have a view on this. We should be working behind the scenes at the United Nations to ensure it is brought to an end in as speedy a manner as possible. The terrible consequences, which are already evident, must be dealt with.