Even for those agnostic about Easter itself this is a wonderful season with nature springing back to life. Sadly though this year has been blighted by two horrific terrorist attacks: in Brussels and Lahore.
Whilst we grieve for those affected it is understandable that part of our reaction is to ask if it could, again, happen here. Terrorism was naturally on the agenda for a recent meeting in Westminster with our Police Commissioner and Chief Constable. No one can promise total security: as terrorists have said before, they only need to get lucky once. However our police are regarded as the most effective in Europe due, in no small part, to the active assistance of all parts of our community. The threat though is real and some 7 plots were foiled by last year.
Few would disagree that we need to give those who protect us the appropriate powers to do their job. However no one wants to feel that by going too far we undermine our status as being a truly free society.
This issue has been a major focus in the US in recent weeks with Apple declining to help the CIA hack into the mobile phone owned by a terrorist who killed 14 people in California. The CIA ultimately secured access themselves without, as was threatened, taking the manufacturer through the courts but both sides stood their ground.
Parliament meanwhile is scrutinising the "Investigatory Powers Bill". Internet service providers will be required to hold data for a year so the police if required will be able to discover who was communicating with whom - just as they can with telephone records. With protections (the permission of a Minister accountable to Parliament and a retired Judge monitoring the process) the security forces will also be able to conduct surveillance of suspects of serious crimes. To its supporters (I am one) this is a proportionate recognition of the internet age. For those opposed it is a "snoopers charter". We all agree on the need to protect our liberties and defend our citizens but I have every confidence it will be a loud debate!