I don't buy the idea that burning gas in combined-cycle stations is far more beneficial to the national economy in the UK than in France (to reformulate what you said)

The gas burned to produce power is effectively imported (it would otherwise be reallocated to higher-value uses, lowering imports)

But, reading the report, I can see where the Tories get their anti-wind fantasy. But they need to execute a dash for shale gas, to establish a "lasting" advantage for gas over wind, even on these numbers. Otherwise wind becomes cheaper as domestic gas production declines.

I would like to see the same calculations for nuclear! I guess structurally it's similar to wind, high capital costs etc.

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}