h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Recently, in a friendly but competitive game of crib, my opponent, from the UK, stated that the match could not be won by the two points awarded for a Jack cut as the starter card. This occured with myself as dealer in the 119 hole and a cut Jack. In 40+ years of playing, I have never heard this ruling. Is this a correct ruling throughout the UK? My assumption was that the ruling was a locally accepted variation but my opponent claimed otherwise. Any thoughts on this? In the struggle for survival in this crazy world in which we live, I realize this is not high up on the list of one's priorities nor should it be, but as I said, the match was competitive.