Rudestuff
Since when do you need an IR to fly IFR in VMC?
Since 1 Jan 2000 it came in with JAR-FCL
JAR–FCL 1.175 Circumstances in which
an IR(A) is required
(a) The holder of a pilot licence (A) shall
not act in any capacity as a pilot of an aeroplane
under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), except as a
pilot undergoing skill testing or dual training,
unless the holder has an instrument rating
(IR(A)) appropriate to the category of aircraft
issued in accordance with JAR–FCL
It then carried on under EASA and the UK has adopted it as part of the withdrawl regulation.