> Does anybody have any optimistic hopes for the UK?

Not post-Brexit, no.

With Brexit, the UK voted to cut itself off from its:

  - nearest trading partner
  - source of seasonal and low-paid workers

But it also chose to do so in the hardest possible manner thanks to Boris's "deal".

As a result:

  - many businesses can't be bothered with the new paperwork that comes from being outside the zone
  - many businesses struggle because the free-movement labour is no longer available, e.g. farmers need seasonal pickers, restaurants need seasonal front-of-house staff etc.

There was a hope that Labour would change this given all the noises they made during opposition. But sadly they seem to be doubling down and continuing to brown-nose Trump.

Farage also has a seat in parliament, both the major parties are terrified of him, and so they continue trying to out-Farage Farage at varying levels. Which is a terrifyingly dangerous game to play.

Then there's all the usual stories of decades of lack of investment in public services etc.