Yes, there is a snobery and and a class distinction based on accent in this country and it works both ways ( Please don't be so simplistic in your assumtions that the UK is as uniform as the US). A southerner moving to the north will feel as much prejudice as a northerner moving to the south. and unlike the USA this can be a matter of a few miles.
We are proud of our accents, our cultural and local difference and our cheeses.
I never realized how provincial places in Britain were. I take it that accents can be a touchy issue judging from DaveyR and Geordie's exchange here, rife with stereotypes still.
Do most people in Britain live in the same towns that they grow up in? This is the only way I see accents perpetuating. They always seem specific to a town or region. It seems that there is a tendency to loose their regional accent when they move to another area or at least their kids do. Would a Cockney speaker switch his speech pattern if he finds himself living in Mayfair?
Is this Estuary English accent viewed with affection?Being associated with TV, it is the accent many emulate .... even the naturally posh !!