It depends how far away you are from the U.K but, assuming you are in part of the EU you should be able to get most free to air programmes by innstalling a satellite dish (Check size required) and a satellite receiver.
There is no need bother with Sky as you are only asking for the basic channels and, anyway, they cannot legitimately supply you.
Thanks Supermike, but I am now in Sri Lanka and the footprint of the Satellites over Sri Lanka do not cover the UK. I was even looking at the option of web access for live TV, but I identifies me as being out of the UK and does not give me access. Thanks anyway.