Alan, we are having a detailed discussion re UK gas and energy imports here.  Based on latest JESS report gas imports look unaffordable by 2014 if not before. Furthermore this timeframe is too short for actions on the supply side to make much of a difference.
Some immediate thoughts, which I will report on TOD-Uk,

The lag time for wind is VERY short, as little as 12 months from financial decision to production for expanding an existing wind farm, and 30 motnhs for a "green field" development elsewhere.

The UK should change licensing procedures and make a serious commitment to wind.

The lag time for conservation is also very short and this MUST be encouraged.

The Swiss now contract for a several nuclear plants worth of power from France every night and on weekends, thus saving their hydroelectric water for peak demand.

Increase cross-Channel DC ties dramatically and buy as much excess power from the French as possible, as soon as possible, to preserve your remaining natural gas.

The French can build nuclear plants faster than you can.  Start on your own but sign 15 or so year contracts for new nuclear power from France, starting about 2012 or 2013.  By the time these contracts expire, France will need these reactors to replace thir own retiring reactors and the UK will "have enough" of their own reactors.