Something else to consider is which UK airports do the airlines fly from. Both Emirates and KLM fly out of several different UK airports so you don't need to head down to the big smoke if you don't want to.
This is why I use KLM...I live 20 mins. away from Bristol Airport. A quick jaunt to Amsterdam, your luggage goes straight through, you go straight to your boarding gate & your next flight to Manila, is less than 2 hours to wait....easy