UK rip-off culture

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According to MacMinute quoting MacWorld UK, Apple is accused of 'ripping-off' the British customers with its European Music Store:

"The complaint relates to how much Apple charges UK iTunes customers for tracks - 79p, approximately 1.2 Euros. But Apple's French and German customers are charged just 0.99 Euros - a 20 per cent difference for an identical service."
Apple's response thus far to the matter is that they price songs differently depending the "underlying economic model in each country." CA leader Phil Evans said in the story: "There appears to be considerable evidence that the iTunes set up is prejudiced against the UK public and distorts the very basis of the single market. If the OFT agrees it will be another example of the rip-off culture that the British public are often victims of."

As much as I dislike the discrepancies in Apple's prices in Europe, I can't prevent myself to find ironical that the country which has done whatever it takes to protect its interests vs. Europe and keep the best possible relationship with the US, is being ripped-off by its economical raw model. I still wonder how long it will take for the UK to join the Euroland.