windypops, the microsite statement is in fact correct owing to the requirement for pilots flying non-annex I aircraft registered in and controlled by an EASA member state to hold a licence granted converted or validated under the EASA Aircrew Regulation, derogations and future BASA–IPLs notwithstanding. Article 3 of the regulation refers.
Seabrook, in your position I would proceed with obtaining the licence from an EASA state other than UK in the hope that UK CAA/DfT will be sensible about handling conversions in the future. When I last spoke with UK CAA in late 2018 I was told the intention was to create an easy pathway for former licence holders to re-acquire a UK licence. Whether that or similar measures for newcomers come to fruition is anybody's guess.