Very interesting thread. I think you miss a point though about the pandemic "ending". This won't be like May 1945 when there was a clear end point. COVID is very likely to become endemic, meaning indefinitely continued restrictions, mask-wearing, outbreaks and vaccination drives.

It won't be as bad as it is now but there will be an ongoing threat. Also, the question will inevitably arise as to why we were so badly prepared for the pandemic. The death toll speaks for itself. The forthcoming inquiry will not be kind on those in power over the past decade.

And of course there's the ongoing Brexit impacts. I'm pretty confident that by the time of the 2024 election, the news will be dominated by the same two themes of today - COVID and Brexit. People are not going to be in a happy mood. /end