The F35 will have some great capabilities with time, but the purchase just doesn't make sense, much like the 232 Typhoon pipe dream.
UK Politicians haven't the balls to go unilateral against a mickey mouse nation, let alone one with a decent IADS, so what's the point in having the capability to do so?
The F-18E idea looks the sensible option for our own mickey mouse country.
Rule Britannia etc