IO540, you are correct, I agree 100%..... I'm not questioning the IMC rating, as I said, it should be mandatory for a PPL issue in my opinion, great rating and as many have been quick to point out very safe. Let's not forget the title of this thread! It's not about IR vs IMC although I got sidetracked, it's about people venting anger that the french won't let them fly instruments in their airspace with an IMC.....WHY SHOULD THEY?? IT'S NOT AN IR, IT'S A UK ONLY QUALIFICATION!!!
I agree completely.
There is absolutely no reason at all why the French should allow people with a non ICAO, UK IMC qualification fly on instruments in THEIR airspace.
What I find objectionable, is that the folk at EASA would seek to prevent people with a perfectly adequate, UK issued IMC rating from flying on instruments in UK airspace.