And then you get cleared for an ILS approach but that doesn't necessarily mean you can descend with the G/P like it does in the rest of the world..
Yep, the UK definitely could use some work on R/T procedures.
I usually seem to get a stealth implied clearance like "Report established on the localizer", followed by "Continue on the glide" The rest of the world seems to be more specific e.g. "Cleared to intercept the localizer, maintain 3000 feet" then "Cleared ILS Runway 09 Right approach."