Hotel Tango
You're right, and what is really ironic is that spotting and general interest in aviation is probably higher in the UK than any other European country, yet in the UK the airport operators, and the authorities generally (in the name of security) just seem to want to put barriers (both metaphorical and actual) in the way of the general public, many of whom have to suffer the inconvenience of living close to major airports and would welcome getting something in return.
I believe it is down to the profit imperitive that exists within the UK, to a greater degree than it does in other European countries, where public service enjoys a higher priority.
Whatever, we're in the UK, and stuck with it!