would the pIFR help towards getting a full IR in the UK?
The proposed EASA CBIR will give credit for existing IF so if that is approved, there should be some credit, but it's a big IF at the moment. Do you currently hold a UK PPL of any sort? If so you would only need an instructor and an examiner to get an IMC which would then be issued as a Restricted IR on an EASA PPL. You will not be able to do it after April next year.