Hootin
Sounds like nothing's changed since I was in EDI 89-97. 4 abreast abeam TLA for 06; traffic over TLA for 06 above traffic inbound 05 at GLA; traffic from the north east handed over late, direct and fast.
Eventually, if you bang your head against the wall long enough, it starts to feel good! One day they may realise that stack management is an airport task, but I wouldn't hold your breath!