You guys seem to have this all covered nicely.
The final question remains in my mind....
Why the hell does the UK not standardise it's procedures and RT with the rest of the world?
I'm a UK pilot and fly globally. The procedures are as non-standard, in my humble opinion, as those found in places like Russia.
Maybe not the right place for the question, but still worth asking.
On a personal point, this is not a "dig" at anyone that provides the prescribed services. ATC and all the good people involved to a great job. This is however a "dig" at the policy makers.
Please please please standardise with at least the rest of Europe!