Monitor on NHS

I've had type 2 diabetes for 6 years, just started on Metformin 3x500mg, my gp wont give me a BG monitor saying I dont need to monitor!

I'm really pis*** off by this as only checking hbac1 yearly meant my BG was 11 before I knew.

Is this the general NHS response or does it vary between drs?

The cost of monitor is fine but ongoing needles strips are expensive.

Thanks
Chris.