It is strange how our national leaders appear to find it easier to turn to military solutions, involving unknown young men and expensive weapons than to get their own hands dirty in working for peace and the resolution of conflicts. This is particularly true in the complexities of dealing with the people displaced either intentionally or inadvertently by the conflict they or their predecessors have helped to create. The failure of Tony Blair and his colleagues to plan for the peace after the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan is a clear example. In Summer 2013 David Cameron seemed almost enthusiastic to bring Parliament together at great financial cost to the public purse, less than a week before the end of the Summer recess to discuss sending bombs and planes into Syria in the hope that it would improve the situation for Millions of Syrians. As we know this was roundly defeated by the Commons at its best. Yet now he is being forced to agree that our wealthy and peaceful nation should invite a paltry 1,000 – 10,000 of those very same people to find sanctuary and safety in British towns and our countryside. Despite this there is no sign that he is prepared to recall Parliament to risk voices in his own party and those from parts of the SNP and Labour making him seem even more impotent than he already appears at the moment. Even in the context of the terrible loss of life and suffering experienced by these refugees, it is inspiring to read the letters and listen to the voices of those who are willing to offer sanctuary in their own homes for some of these people. The fact that no one would seriously expect Cameron or his Cabinet Colleagues to share their first, second or in some cases 10th homes (some of which have been funded extensively by the state) with refugees makes their resistance to welcoming these people even more peculiar. As local authorities begin to lay down their conditions for extending their responsibility for these incomers, it is useful to remember how quickly first Labour and then Coalition Governments have set about releasing funds for warfare and to shore up banks and economies. It is vital that we don’t treat these visitors with any less enthusiasm!