Well, I have a feeling that many European countries, including the U.K. will re-intitute the passport stamping on departure system.
When I first came to Europe from the U.S. eight years ago, you also had to go through passport control when you were leaving a country. In the past few years, all you have to do is to go through the security gate and you're home free. Yes, on inernational flights you have to show your passport to the frazzled girl at the airline check-in counter, but what does she know? She is not an expert in forged passports or visas.
In the U.K. I have had instances when I have checked my luggage and AFTER going through the security check, been politely approached by Crown Agents and taken to a room where they examined my luggage piece by piece, including underpants. Hats off!
To wind this thing up, I definitely think that European security is much better than the American counterpart. The last time I left the U.S. to come back to Europe, all my friends and relatives, including their dog, were allowed to accompany my to the departure gate and wave bye-bye.
In Europe waving bye-bye means just before you pass the security and go into the transit terminal. I'm not saying that improvements can't be made in Europe, but American security, although I am an American, is (or was) a joke.