You are right about the UK being self sufficient in gas and oil. I was one of the people who worked on the first oil platforms-Forties Alpha and bravo. Life was a gamble with no regard for safety. I am proud to say I also worked on Piper Alpha but left long before the rig blew up.The race was always on to get the oil out but dear Mrs Thatcher put pay to that by selling it abroad. Oh yes she said our petrol would stay around £1/gallon. It didn't. I'm sure I'm not the only one who worked offshore so you'll know where I'm coming from.