The most popular meters for self funding T2's are the Codefree and the Tee2+ because the strips are much cheaper than other meters, and you need a lot of strips. You can't buy them in pharmacies.
Try here for the Codefree meter
http://homehealth-uk.com/product-category/blood-glucose/blood-glucose-monitor/
and here for the extra strips
http://homehealth-uk.com/all-products/sd-codefree-test-strips-to-be-used-only-with-the-sd-monitor/
There are discount codes if you buy in bulk. (applied at the check out stage)
5 packs 264086
10 packs 975833
The Tee2+ is here
http://spirit-healthcare.co.uk/product-category/shop/tee2/
Don’t forget to check the box that you have diabetes so you can buy VAT free. (for either meter)
There are many meters on the market, but all have to pass the same accuracy standards before they can be marketed. It isn't the meters that are expensive - many are given away free. It is the test strips that cost the money, and as they are not interchangeable, the meter manufacturers make their money from the strips. So be careful to check the cost of the strips before buying any meter. They range in cost from about £8 to about £30 for 50.