Yep, Whilst its legal to get a NQ straight after getting a PPL, I think having a IMCr first makes a lot of sense. With that , losing the horizon should not be a big deal. it also means that should you get lost, you can use radio navigation to find your way or even flying an instrument approach into somwhere to get down. it also means that if you encounter cloud (which is harder to spot unless it between you and some lights) again its not a big deal.
(Flying in the UK at night has to be IFR anyway as well.)