Flight following is not the same as a (Basic) Service from London Info or an ATCU. A service from an ATCU is well and good in the West Midlands, or the like, but does not fit the bill for the rural areas like the East of England during late or night shifts when there is little if any ATCU cover. London Info will give a service but not the regular opps normal that is required to ensure a timely reaction to an aircraft being overdue. Therefore it is essential that lip service is not paid to this vital safety system.