God Bless you British...illegal to listen to the aviation bands.
Well, except for certain things(more of a civil than really criminal...though I imagine if you used it to destroy a plane with a bomb or missile it might be introduced), it isn't illegal in the USA and we sell cheap radios so anyone can listen. in fact when I was teaching people to fly I encouraged them to get a radio and listen...after all it was free. modern flying includes using the radio and if you can master the ''lingo'' for the cost ofa 20 dollar radio, instead of renting a plane, that's the way to save some money.
two things I hope you do...you call your MP and have him change the law, and then buy a radio.