The UK is definitely not an open, free society. It's an oligopoly, run for the benefit of a small minority and the expense of everyone.

Don't kid yourself, as an individual you have basically no rights unless you have political connections or a lot of money. The banks don't care about you. Case in point: I have a perfect credit history and interest rates are 0%, so no cost to borrow money. However, I was declined even the ability to apply for a OVERDRAFT.

As stated , a small number are profiting at the expense of everybody right now. It's unacceptable but somehow unquestioned. If you want a chance at succeeding In th UK , your bet shot is to join the government.This is not what happens in a free society. This is what happens in 1980s Brazil, 1930s Germany, 1940-1990 Russia, 1950s China.

Basically, forget the banks. The whole system is run by and for the benefit of criminals. Bitcoin is the alternative