So surprise, surprise it's the Home Office/Dept of Transport that have come up with this nonsense.
It's shows what the politicians and civil servants really think of general aviation. Remember that research that AOPA did about how much GA pumped into the UK economy and how many people are employed in GA?
The government in the UK still think GA flying is a rich man's sport and this is clearly demonstrated by these draconian restrictions.
I propose a day of (legal) protest of some sort. Any ideas?