Keygrip, you are absolutely right, they (CAA UK) could implement the upcoming changes through a long term exemption. Also, the PPL exams are not covered in detail by JAR-FCL, nor by the JAA central question bank. And I guess CAA UK are perfectly in the green if they decide to have a more strict practise than the FCL requires. Pity for the PPL students, though..
cheers,
Redbar1