Stephen Robinson visits anti-Kingsnorth Greenpeace ship

12.31.00pm GMT Mon 3rd Nov 2008

Stephen Robinson and his son at Southend pier to see the Greenpeace ship 'Rainbow Warrior'

Local Lib Dem candidate Stephen Robinson visited the Greenpeace ship 'Rainbow Warrior', when stationed at Southend. It was part of the campaign to persuade Gordon Brown to 'give coal the boot' by rejecting proposals for a new coal-fired station at Kingsnorth in Kent.

Commenting on his visit, Stephen said "It is time for the other parties to get real about climate change. You cannot reduce CO2 emissions while building a huge new coal-fired power station. All expert advice is that we should be moving towards renewable energy, particularly as it will reduce our energy bills in the long-term.

"Kingsnorth is not going to be a 'clean coal' station, as we do not yet have the technology for carbon capture. In fact, it will only emit 20% less than previous coal fired station, and a massive 75% more than a gas powered station. This proposal really exposes the government's claims to be concerned about the environment."

You can add your support to the Greenpeace campaign here: www.greenpeace.org.uk/givecoaltheboot