Thanks Helimutt
The "light" is beginning to dawn on me. Clear enough that IFR does not mean IMC and that most IFR flight is in VMC. Did wonder about any requirement to hold an IR in order to fly under IFR. Have not come across any requirement in print yet.
So no such thing as VFR in uncontrolled airspace at night in the UK, fly under IFR then...
alles klar
TT