It was, and still is, true for the UK that “a glider rating or
qualification is not sufficient to fly self launch but it is
sufficient to fly a sustainer”. For a self launch, a PPL is required;
for glider/sustainers, no licence is needed at present. (There is not
only no current legal requirement in the UK;there is no UK CAA-issued
glider pilot licence to hold at present).

EASA pilot licensing for gliders is not yet in force for the UK.

When it comes, I have been told it will continue this distinction, but
with the difference that glider pilots will have to have a licence to
fly gliders.

I have heard that existing glider pilots (unlicensed) will be granted
a licence under a form of “grandfather” rights, I await news of how
that will happen, when (2012?), and at what cost.

Chris N.