Observing all of this from afar, Mrs May must be ready to play her part. Mr Trump admires the UK because of Brexit, which gives us the opportunity to help shape his administration. He must be discouraged from thinking that Russia is a potential friend. Its strategic interests run counter to the West’s; it has allied with thugs. Britain can also make the case for free trade and positive engagement with the developing world. If Mr Trump fulfils his promise of an epoch-defining tax cut, growth with be immense – and its benefits should be felt as widely as possible.

Ultimately, whatever the West’s divisions, it will have to unite against terrorism. Today we report that one aspect of life in 2017 will be different: armed police will now regularly patrol the London Underground. The difficult task of this coming year will be, as always, balancing freedom and security. In 2016, we saw British democracy functioning at its best. It must be protected for future generations to enjoy.