hah! That's still a thing in the UK? :)
My impression (which may be wrong) is that lots of things are covered well by taxes, like health, some education, public infra, the usual. Also (which may be wrong), my impression is that the UK has become more progressive since, at least in some ways. The Randians and evangelicals, for example, don't seem to have the same foothold as in the US. But I could have the wrong impression.
Then again, maybe Brexit was seeded by Thatcher (1988).
(Not sure what to make of all the public camera coverage.)

The UK is a neoliberal power player due to having the largest financial markets in the world. They eclipse NY. Yes, they do offer bread and circuses. That's great, but let's not confuse that with socialism.

Holy cow... @Benkei :yikes:

Boris Johnson's secret plot to invade The Netherlands with British forces and seize Covid vaccines

Disgraced and humiliated former Prime Minister Boris Johnson drew up a half-brained secret plot to invade The Netherlands and swipe Covid-19 vaccine supplies, he happily reveals in his ludicrous new memoir.

The brazen ex-PM’s shameless memoir, titled ‘Unleashed’, details just how detached from reality the ludicrous Tory leader had become during one of the worst crises to ever befall the UK. Johnson claims he devised plans for the UK armed forces’ elite units to covertly raid canals in The Netherlands and seize vaccines, following what the bumbling toff claims were months of “futile” negotiations with European Union leaders to release five million Covid jabs.

It's easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission. Especially if it's the Netherlands.

:rofl:

The 1665/6 history of Eyam (Derbyshire Dales, UK) is kind of inspiring.
Their actions during the Plague likely saved a large number of lives.

Eyam » 1665 plague outbreak
Eyam Village in the Peak District » Plague

Idiotic mask-refusers of today could learn a thing or two, but they likely won't.