Why do people critisize the British Empire?

I don't agree with all that us Brits did to the world, however, I can't help but wonder what the world would be like if it wasn't for the British Empire. I know for a fact there would be no Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc and Americas certainly would not be the America we know today! I work with a lady who is from Peru and she is pro British Empire. I wondered why someone who our empire didn't affect directly would have such strong views and of course I asked her opinion. She replied by saying that there were major differences between the British Empire and the other European Empires. She then said that European Empires were purely out to make their country richer whereas the British intentions were to trade with other nations and people, it so happens that along the way they discovered lands and claimed them for England. She said the British and their colonies educated their people and they have always had this sense of freedom and individualism and free trade. She gave me an example and a pretty obvious one at that. She said look at the predominantly English speaking nations and other nations which arrive from other European countries, you will find that the wealthiest and more powerful nations are of English creation. What are your view on this?