englishal
I understand your position, but you would be best advised to remember that operating practices between the US and UK are different - e.g. "cleared for the option" is another US procedure that is not often encountered over here.
So what is well understood over there, may be less so over here and consequently cause confusion.
Could you find an N regd a/c to fly? Then you would have your full IR priviliges and could practice to your heart's content.