Independence Day is usually synonymous with a historical uprising on the other side of the Atlantic, but instead of focusing on the past I want to give you a glimpse of a modern day significant symbol of people power which descended on the fields of Kingsnorth this July 4.

It all began in the offices of the World Development Movement. I had been invited to a meeting with no information or indication what I was being asked to do or get involved in. As I sat around the table I realised the scale of the task ahead of us, with just a few weeks to get over 1,000 people to form a human Mili-band around the power station at Kingsnorth.

So what is a Mili-band and why Kingsnorth? The concept of the Mili-band had been adapted from a campaign tactic used in the States where over 3,000 people had formed a ring around a power station soon after Obama came to office. It was a powerful symbol, a peaceful, accessible demonstration of people’s strong opposition to the expansion of the dirtiest form of non renewable energy- Coal.

So it got exported to the UK, and low and behold due to the fortunate fact the Minister’s name fitted with the action- it became known here on in as the Mili-band.

So why was NUS supporting this action, and why do environmental organisations focus on Kingsnorth?

As I said on stage at Kingsnorth as an organisation with a significant youth membership it is vital we add our voice to debates around how to prevent a climate change catastrophe for our generation and the next. NUS’ primary focus will always be first and foremost education, but we do not live in a cocoon, we are and will increasingly be deeply affected by climate change, and so just as the Women’s Institute supported this action because it recognised the significance for its members, it is fundamental that NUS adds its voice to the environmental movement.

Kingsnorth is a power station in Kent which has become the centre of a national and international debate around coal production, and whether coal can ever be produced cleanly. To cut a long story short the Government will soon be deciding whether to allow a new additional power plant to be built at Kingsnorth. Supporters of the plan say it will be the test bed for new Carbon capture storage technology, opponents highlight this technology is not guaranteed to work, and so to agree to a new wave of high emitting coal power stations is reckless and a significant reversal on the Governments progress to date.

But don’t just take my word for it- have a look at the photos and the media coverage NUS and the other coalition partners generated nationally and regionally.

Like what you see? Why not create your own Miliband on campus. On the 5 December NUS will be joining thousands of people at the annual Global march on climate change in London. The theme this year is the Wave, see here for more details.

For more information about NUS’ environmental campaigns visit the Green zone, and see how you can be involved on your campus and in your community.

Following the drafting of this blog EON, the company said to want to build at Kingsnorth have announced they will not be building a new coal fired power station at Kingsnorth for the foreseeable future. The campaigning pressure, including the Miliband action, have been cited as contributing to the decision. See here for more information.

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