"Mili-band" event - Kingsnorth, 4th July

We have received details of this event from Southampton Greenpeace:

Greenpeace is part of a coalition which is looking to form a ring of people, the "Mili-band", right round the Kingsnorth power station site on 4th July. This needs at least 2000 (yes 2000) people.

If you live in the Winchester District and are interested in going, please contact Nick Woodman. If there is enough interest, we may organise a mini-bus.

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Information from Greenpeace:

"We've made huge progress on the coal campaign in the last few weeks with Climate and Energy Minister Ed Miliband finally ruling out any new coal fired power stations that don't capture a proportion of their carbon. However, this new proposal has gaps in it and they need to be filled - the next few months will be crucial in persuading Ed to go all the way. On 4th July, thousands of people from the UK will come together to form a human band, surrounding Kingsnorth power station in Kent, in opposition to building a new coal-fired power plant. This event is called the 'Mili-Band'. We'll be telling Ed Miliband that until he agrees to stop all CO2 emissions from dirty coal fired plants like Kingsnorth from day one, the future of the planet and the people who live on it hangs in the balance. Ed has a choice: either to be a hero or a hypocrite. He cannot expect his arguments for a fair and safe global deal at the crucial climate negotiations in Copenhagen to be taken seriously if he's planning to build new dirty coal fired power stations at home. We are not going to stop until he makes the right choice. People gathering on 4 July are from a diverse range of communities and organisations, including Oxfam (who are co-ordinating the event), Christian Aid, People and Planet, The Women's Institute, the World Development Movement, National Union of Students, Woodcraft Folk, RSPB and Greenpeace. We really need you to be there.

"LOGISTICS/TRAVEL
You can pick up a free shuttle bus to the site from outside Rochester train station in Kent between 9.30 and 11am. Oxfam are also arranging coaches from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry and Oxford. The suggested donation for the return coach journey is £10 per person but just pay what you can afford. Possibly consider hiring your own minibuses. Please arrive at Kingsnorth holding site no later than 11.30 (maps will be available on our website in June). Parking for minibuses must be arranged by contacting Will Tucker on 0121 634 3611, wtucker@oxfam.org.uk There is no parking for private cars but you can park in Rochester and get the shuttle bus.

"BOOKING
We really need to know who is coming so that we can judge if we are on target for the numbers we need (minimum 2,000 to form the Mili-Band). From 25th May you can register that you are coming via the Greenpeace website www.greenpeace.org.uk. You can also book onto a coach via the website. If, after booking, you find that you cannot make it, please contact Leila Deen leila.deen@uk.greenpeace.org as soon as possible Please encourage as many of your friends as possible to come too.

"EXPENSES
As this is a coalition event I'm afraid there is no money available to cover your travel or accommodation expenses. This applies to supporters of all the other organisations involved too. However, as stated above there are coaches available from various locations and if you can't afford to make a donation for this service then you can use it for free. You will still need to register.

"STEWARDS
Stewards will be needed on the day. If you live in the London area and can also make a stewards pre-meeting in London on Thursday 2nd July at 7pm we'd love to hear from you. Your expenses will be covered. Contact leila.deen@uk.greenpeace.org.

"This event will send a really powerful message to Ed Miliband while he's reviewing the UK's coal policy. The involvement of new players like Oxfam should really make him take notice. But we need people to come in order to make it a success so please come if you possibly can!"