Oh dear.
Sorry I started this thread.
I bought the thing because it was recommended by my instructor, who did not tell me it was illegal. This is a bit embarassing because I am a lawyer!
So if Big Brother is watching I am sorry and will not do it again - until I've got the licence.
PS I know listening to upper airspace traffic is not much use for the PPL but, in the old days when I switched the scanner on, it was nevertheless quite interesting trying to picture where everyone was and where they were going.