Environmental Action: A Citizen's Guide

Eddie Tucker reviews Environmental Action: A Citizen's Guide. Edited by Martyn Day (Pluto Press, £15.99).

"The book has been completed in the immediate aftermath of New Labour's election victory. It would be a pleasure if, as a result of this change, this book were soon to become obsolete. Somehow I doubt it." Prophetic words from the editor, former Lewisham Labour Councillor Martyn Day, in the preface to this technical but extremely accessible book.

Day heads a team of specialist environmental litigators at Leigh, Day and Co., working for both individuals and pressure groups. The book examines all aspects of the legal process, including European law, and how campaigners can use the law as a complement, rather than an alternative, to action. As such, it is a valuable weapon, a book genuinely "about the empowerment of the citizen." It provides a step-by-step guide to building a legal case, but also describes how to use the media and contains up-to-date information about the legality of public protest. Essential reading in your tunnel before the bulldozers arrive.

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