Proof that free markets are the best idea ever?

Erm, no.
http://blogs.ft.com/westminster/2009/04/banks-refuse-to-sign-up-to-mortgage-support-scheme/

a little background: "* The scheme lets home owners who lose their job temporarily to defer payments of capital and (most of the) interest for up to two years."

Once again 'self-regulation' is shown to be a sham, it's the usual collapse to stronger forces. It's too easy for me to rely on my dogma and call for the nationalisation of everything, including the local off-licence (x-ref Sweden), but those banks still in the private sector are refusing to sign up to the protection of those in danger of loosing their homes.
Bloody private sector and free markets. Grrr