Johe02, I am suprised that you think since the addition of the insturment flying section of the PPL(H) that accidents have increased. Surely the limited IF on the PPL course must demonstrate how different a skill IF is compared to VFR flight and how critical it is to stay out of cloud. Or is it that a little knowledge is dangerous?
IMHO, SPIFR in IMC is the hardest of all skills and 5hrs IF appreciation doesn't even begin to prepare a pilot for the work load of the initial disorientation of inadvertent IMC, let alone trying to form a plan to get yourself home!
Couldn't agree more with hihover, a VFR flight is just that, stay out of cloud at all costs unless you are rated and current. There are enough sources of met information in the UK and although forecasts can be wrong this is not an excuse to fly below VFR limits, but if in doubt slow down and fly lower or turn back or land or end up another statistic, your choice.
MS