The message
from Andy Wade contains these words:

In fact the UK is the only place where one sees pull cords for
lightswitches as a standard thing.

Despite the fact that ordinary wall switches have been allowed (in Zone
3 or beyond) for over six years now.

It's a habit thing, innit. Anyway, the customers expect pullcords, so
what's what they get. I rather like them, though I restrain the bottom
end of the string so you pull sideways instead. It's easier to do and
uses less force, which is handy if you've got smalls in the house.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.