Thanks to Irv and BillieBob for making things a bit clearer!
I just want to carry on flying EASA aircaft and I presently hold just a UK-PPL+IMCrating.
I think that I now understand the situation on the IMCr - that is, after 8th April 2014 it cannot be used in EASA aircraft (although it seems likely that the CAA/EASA may move the goal posts again before 2014!)
When I phoned the CAA-FCL a few weeks ago the woman to whom I spoke implied that the CAA would not issue an EASA-PPL direct from a UK-PPL, only from a JAA-PPL. While the upgrade from UK-PPL to JAA-PPL would cost £181, the upgrade from JAA-PPL to EASA-PPL would be free of charge. Hence I assumed that I should apply for a JAR-PPL before 1st July 2012 (the latest date for issuing JAA licences) to ensure that I can continue flying EASA aircraft after 8th April 2014.
So if I do nothing now, I will save £181, but will I put myself at a disadvantage for later on? 