Yes, a good gesture indeed. However, encrypting the packets will not prevent traffic analysis by the UK government. To avoid that, individual users will have to take their own security measures (such as using Tor).
I'm not sure to understand, if I'm using SSL, my ISP or any computer between me and the web site doesn't know the url I'm requested, he only know the IP address and the size of the file. Tor is a good way for surfing non SSL web site but I think if every web site would be encrypted the web would safe from snooping.
"Don't try to outweird me, three-eyes. I get stranger things than you free with my breakfast cereal." - Zaphod Beeblebrox in "Hithiker's Guide to the Galaxy"