This isn't strictly about OEI apps but its taken me ages to find, so here it is. Para (b) probably applies to the topic in general. This is a supplementry instruction from UK manual of AirTraffic Services, its old and either incorporated in the revised manual somewhere or obsolete, but somebody once thought it important enough to write.
MANUAL OF AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES Part 1
2/93-1
Supplementary Instruction No. 2 of 1993
HANDLING OF AIRCRAFT EMERGENCIES
In a recent Aircraft Accident report the AAIB made two recommendations in respect of aircraft diverting in emergency. In this particular case the captain of the aircraft, which had suffered a structural failure, declined a request from the airport authority at his selected diversion to land at an alternative airport. The AAIB determined that the airport authority's request was
reasonable but that, as the pilot had not been informed of the reason for the request, he did not have sufficient information on which to base a decision to divert elsewhere. An additional concern was that the aircraft flew over densely populated areas when there was a possibility of further structural failure which could have led to part of the aircraft detaching itself. In response to the AAIB recommendations in respect of this accident the following instructions and advice have been issued for handling aircraft in emergency.
(a) When a pilot has declared an emergency and stated the aerodrome to which he wishes to proceed, controllers will acknowledge this message. If the controller is instructed to inform the aircraft that it is required or requested to divert to another aerodrome then the reason for this change should be established. The message, including the reason, will then be passed to the captain and his intentions requested.
(b) It is desirable that aircraft in emergency should not be routed over densely populated areas. If this is inconsistent with providing the most appropriate service to the aircraft, for example when any extended routeing could jeopardise the safety of the aircraft, the most expeditious routeing is the one that should be given. Where possible, suggestions of alternative runways or aerodromes which would avoid densely populated areas and be
consistent with safety should be passed to the pilot and his intentions requested.
The decision to comply with advice or instructions to land at an airport other than his selected diversion lies with the captain of the aircraft. It is stressed that the captain has ultimate responsibility for the safety of his aircraft.
It is recognised that controllers providing en-route services at ATCCs may not be aware of the boundaries of major towns or cities or of the position of minor towns and villages. Controllers providing approach, approach radar or aerodrome control services should, however, be familiar with the centres of population within their areas of jurisdiction.
29.6.93
So I now think that when in the sim with your OEI a/c, you should have asked for a div to LHR where upon your intructor should have considered your request and told you to go rural on behalf of LHR Ltd. Likely. Not.