by Jenni Horn

jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

Eco-activists will return to Medway this summer to protest about the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth.
Campaigners plan to form a giant human chain around the plant in Hoo on Saturday, July 4 - dubbed a 'Mili-band' after climate and energy minister Ed Miliband who is yet to make a decision about the future of Kingsnorth.
The event is being organised by Oxfam. Representatives from Christian Aid, People and Planet, the Women's Institute, the World Development Movement, National Union of Students, Woodcraft Folk, RSPB and Greenpeace are expected to take part.
A spokesman for Greenpeace said: "We've made some progress on the coal campaign lately, with Ed Miliband finally ruling out any new coal-fired power stations that don't capture a proportion of the carbon they emit. But that's not nearly enough to save the climate.
"The next few months will be crucial in persuading Ed to go all the way before the government announces a decision on new coal fired power plants. We need your help to show Ed and the government that opposition to new dirty coal is growing across the country.

Audio: Oxfam spokesman Lucy Brinicombe explains the protest action
"Ed Miliband has a choice: either to be a hero or a hypocrite. He can't 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."
Greenpeace say they expect thousands of people to take part.
The organisation's website urges people to join them.
It says: "We need your help on the day to send the message to Ed that dirty coal has no future on a healthy planet. Please come and take a stand with thousands of like-minded people on the greatest issue of our time. We're not asking you to do anything illegal, you just need to come out and show your opposition to dirty coal."
Coaches have been organised for protesters from across the UK to join the action and free shuttle buses will ferry people from Rochester railway station to Kingsnorth on the day.
The 'Mili-band' is expected to be formed from about noon and will be followed by live music and a rally with food stalls, children's activities and speakers.
E.ON spokesman Jonathan Smith said: "We respect the right of people to protest in a peaceful manner. But the fact of the matter is that, as a company and as a country, we need to not only reduce our carbon emissions but also ensure that we can keep the lights on and ensure that energy is as affordable as possible for our customers.
"We’ve got no desire to stop protests as long as they’re peaceful and we have no reason to believe that this protest will not be peaceful. We obviously will be increasing security and have legal protection for a number of our sites across the UK, including Kingsnorth."