It's the meter companies who seen free meters not this forum. Google blood glucose meter manufacturers. Type1s in UK can ask for any meter but depends on gp practice what make you can get strips wise to use it.
There should be no problem in the Uk getting another meter - either from the manufacturer or from your GP.
My diabetes team were very keen that I had backup pens, etc so I also requested a backup meter. As the meter manufacturers hand them out for free (or relatively cheap) and make their money on test strips, this is not a big ask. Especially if your backup takes the same strips as your main meter.