So far I've seen the NPA responses from AOPA(UK), UK CAA, IAOPA (EU) and PPL/IR (EU). All propose that EIR privileges should be extended to night if the pilot also holds a valid night rating / qualification.
The EIR certainly has the potential to extend the privileges of VFR-only pilots to include en-route flight under circumstances which require mandatory compliance with IFR, whether in VMC or IMC. Any organisational opposition to the EIR is likely to be from the self-interest of certain NAAs or ATS providers, who need to be addressed with the old RAF aircrew opinion "No stick = no vote!". Ground pounding Untermensch are only there to provide a service to the two-winged Herrenvolk; now and again they need to be reminded of that fact!
Regarding PPL exams, the CAA assure me that you can continue to take whichever exams are current at the time; provided that you don't exceed the normal validity periods any previous passes will still be acceptable after Apr 2012. But your flying school should really be getting to grips with this!