you have to understand there is two different philosophy's when it comes to the rules and law.
1. Most of Europe- you not allowed to do something unless it is expressly said you can do it.
2. UK as long as it doesn't say you can't, you can do it.
There has been nothing ever said that states a unqualified pax can't operate the controls. And from the EASA stuff there still isn't, its mixed in with definitions of flight crew and other such terms but never a mention of touching the controls.
In the UK it will take someone getting taken to court before the precedent is set with the new EASA rules.