The state introduces more restrictive laws and tougher policing. Democracy narrows, and the rights of active, aware citizens are curtailed. Mr Straw's anti-terrorist legislation is a case in point. Partly in response to the May Day riot, it has been deliberately drafted loosely. Now the Home Office has more powers to limit the legitimate activities of awkward pressure groups.
Information is power.
The first responsibility of pressure groups is to present the facts and arguments for ordinary citizens. Next, we can create opportunities for constituents or taxpayers, shareholders or consumers, to challenge governments and corporations. This type of citizen action works, as Monsanto found to its cost. And, by using due process, it strengthens not weakens democracy. Charles Secrett is director of Friends of the Earth.