Indeed they moved towards a free market principle, after they became the world’s most important military power and trading empire. So then it suited them for co

Indeed they moved towards a free market principle, after they became the world’s most important military power and trading empire. So then it suited them for countries to open up their markets to them. The UK also, as you mentioned prevented their colonies and countries in their sphere of influence from instituting similar protectionist laws to develop their own industry. Instead there was a role designed for them, namely to provide cheap raw materials. The US did the same after attaining a similar position as the world superpower later.