The images of Joe Biden and fellow G7 leaders chatting at close quarters on a Cornish beach as they enjoyed barbecued lobster may not have been the best advert for social-distancing rules in times of pandemic. But the beach cookout was designed to send another message: under renewed American leadership, the world’s leading western democracies are back in business.

After four years of Donald Trump’s presidency, when diplomatic shouting matches were more likely features at G7 summits than cosy alfresco dining, there was a collective sigh of relief. “This is the first time in four years they’ve actually got along,” said one British official.

The warmth towards Biden was reflected in the bonhomie between the US president and France’s Emmanuel Macron, walking along the white sand of Carbis Bay, arms draped around each other. “The US is back,” Biden said. Macron shot back: “Yeah definitely.”