Invevitably the G8 leaders have tried to put the best spin on the agreements reached this week. But there has been real political climate change, and it is clear the world was expecting progress. Despite the fact that some progress has been made, Blair was forced to admit the G8 summit has failed to make poverty history. The spin won’t wash anymore.

The London bombings moved the political spotlight away from Bush’s intransigence. The terrorists’ agenda (in as far as they have one) once again coincided with his (unsurprising, perhaps – they must stand a better chance of realising their goals with Bush in the White House). But the increased awareness of the difference it is in the G8 leaders’ power – or rather, our power – to make, has I hope made further progress inevitable.