IT is the end of a week in which terrorism and the freedom of expression have topped the news and political agendas.

And, while there is no doubt that the world remains a very dangerous place, there are positive signs to reassure us.

Around the world, millions of people have gathered in displays of togetherness. There has been great solidarity in defending the freedom of expression but it has been combined with respect and restraint too.

Here in the North-East, religious leaders, representing a wide range of faiths, have gathered to show there is far greater unity than division.

The beginning of 2015 has been horrific, and more terror attacks are inevitable, but there has been a galvanising effect.

David Cameron and Barack Obama vowed yesterday to work more closely on preventing radicalism and tackling violent extremism, but that is an easy pledge for two traditional allies to make. The real challenge is to bring other countries into the fold.

In Saudi Arabia, the case of Raif Badawi, who was sentenced to 1,000 lashes for writing a blog, has been referred to the Supreme Court by the king's office.

Badawi was flogged 50 times a week ago and the second round of punishment has been delayed because his wounds have yet to heal. There is now hope that an appeal will be heard.

Earlier this week, Saudi officials, including the country's ambassador, joined in the freedom march of world leaders through Paris.

If Saudi Arabia's inclusion in that march is to mean anything, that barbaric sentence against a man, whose "crime" was freedom of expression, must indeed be halted.

And that would give further momentum to the spirit of conciliation that is being felt around the world.