"79.5% free. since the market reforms instituted by prime minister margaret thatcher in the 1980s, the united kingdom has experienced steady economic growth and has outpaced other large eu economies. under the labour governments of tony blair, britain promoted an open, global economic outlook and made stability a priority. the bank of england's independence contributes much to macroeconomic stability. the city of london remains one of the world's leading centers of commerce and should continue to grow. the u.k. is now the world's top destination for foreign direct investment. as with most other western european countries, britain faces demographic challenges. reform of public services, especially the national health service, is necessary but politically very sensitive."
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