The sentiment/perception is not uniquely Greek, it is possibly quite widespread - the world's view of the UK is frequently quite different from the UK's view of itself. The man's observation that "It was clear they were about to really mess up" is the mark of a perceptive man. I know a couple who were to be travelling to the UK in March but, with no faith in the UK handling the situation well, changed their plans and went elsewhere - they are avoiding the UK for an indefinite period but have plans for other travel.