The images emerging from Syria of slaughtered children are haunting.

The massacre at Houla was carried out when a UN ceasefire was meant to be in operation.

The government has rightly taken a tough line against Syria and recently expelled Syrian diplomats from the UK.

Those who are responsible must be held to account.

There have been too many occasions where the international community has stood back and slaughter has continued.

We cannot allow Syria to be another such case.

This article was originally published by The Sunderland Echo on 13th June 2012: http://www.sunderlandecho.com/lifestyle/columnists/bridget-phillipson-u-turn-after-u-turn-1-4618940