WH
The most important thing is that no-one was killed and you (and probably others) have learnt from it.
Obviously, as an ATCO we have to be very careful what we say which could be mis-interpreted, which appears to be the case here. I am guessing that the weather was crap and the Luton ATCO was understandably considering your safety and MSA.
Everyone makes mistakes (even ATCO's Timothy!
) - but the key is how you react to them. We have had zone infringers who come down to BUR at 2400 ft, and the when seeing a 747 climb BELOW them, dive down low, turn off the Mode A/C and go for a low level escape! (Don't forget that NATS can tap into a lot of different radar heads for a recording!!)
If you are inadvertantly in CAS then call someone! If you are really lost and dont know the freq call D&D - at least they can identify you and verify your Mode C. They also have a direct line to us!!! (as do other units) People who do nothing are the real frustration.
Hey ho........