Nope, there is a hole in the in the steel sump cover that allows you to remove the bolt without removing the plate. Also just keep some towel or cloth close-by when draining the oil as it has a tendency to start running on the surface of the sump away from the hole, ending up in an oily mess on the sump cover.
Not sure about the tightening torque for the sump plug but for the oil filter cap it is something like 25Nm (is written on the cover). Also just keep in mind that you need a size 36 socket for the oil filter cover.
Edit: According to the Bentley service manual the tightening torque for the sump plug is 25Nm.