Writing for The Sun, Mr Hannan has claimed Britain is “as well placed as any nation to make a success of this century”.

The Conservative MEP has been credited as one of the key political thinkers behind the Brexit vote.

And he has hailed the past year as the beginning of Britain being able to make its own destiny.

Mr Hannan said: “We remain an enterprising nation. We lead the world in biotech, law, finance, education, TV.

“We are as well placed as any nation to make a success of this century.

“The eyes of other countries are upon us, watching to see whether we stumble. We will surely show them that we are the resolute and innovative nation we have always been.”

He vowed: “2017 has been our best year yet, and 2018 will be even better.”

The MEP is overwhelmingly optimistic about what Britain can expect to achieve in the coming years.

He said Britain would be able to make its own destiny, and could become a stronger country outside the EU.

Mr Hannan pointed out the economy is “flourishing”, with manufacturing orders and industrial output at a 30-year high.

He said it just goes to show that: “The threats issued by Remainers during the Referendum turned out to be bunkum.”

While political stability is also not an issue Brits need worry about, he claimed.

UK politics has been a rollercoaster during 2017, as a snap General Election lost Theresa May her majority and forced her to do a deal with the DUP.

Political instability seemed to reach new heights in recent weeks as Conservative rebels defeated the Government on a key EU Withdrawal Bill amendment.

However Mr Hannan maintains there is still good reason for optimism.

For Brexiteers, 2017 has been a good year. He explains: “While it’s true that the election result took most observers by surprise, Brexit remains comfortably on track.”

MPs voted to trigger Article 50 by a substantial majority, the EU Withdrawal Bill was passed, and anti-Brexit parties like the Lib Dems, the Green Party and the SNP lost ground in the general election.

He writes that Theresa May’s initial deal with the EU is good news for Britain.

Some Leave supporters have concerns about the divorce bill, however Mr Hannan says this is a price worth paying, as it constitutes “a tiny fraction of what we would pay as members” of the EU.

Mr Hannan’s optimism comes as Theresa May and David Davis are set to begin phase two of Brexit negotiations in the New Year.

After sealing a deal on phase one, encompassing citizens’ rights, financial contributions and the Irish border, they will now discuss trade with the EU.

Remainers had not been optimistic about the prospect of getting a deal on phase one, however the arrangement was better than some had expected.

Brexiteers like Mr Hannan will hope phase two of talks will also exceed Remainers’ expectations in 2018.