Influences on Parliament to Make New laws Flashcards
- PUBLIC OPINION can be an influence on the government, particularly when a general election is imminent…
PUBLIC OPINION can be an influence on the government, particularly when a general election is imminent. The Snowdrop Campaign was set up in response to public horror after the Dunblane School Massacre in 1996, and it resulted in the banning of handguns under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, following the recommendations of the Cullen Public Inquiry set up in response to public opinion.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 followed public outcry after a series of attacks on children by dogs. Public opinion and the media feed off each other.
For example, following public outcry, and the News of the World’s “Name and Shame” campaign in 2000 concerning paedophiles, ‘Sarah’s Law’ was passed requiring the police to keep a register of convicted paedophiles.
- The Media and Public Opinion feed off each other…
THE MEDIA and Public Opinion feed off each other, and campaigns have used television, radio, the internet, newspapers and social media to lead to law reform. Following the News of the World’s “Name and Shame” campaign in 2000 concerning paedophiles, a law was passed requiring the police to keep a register of convicted paedophiles.
The Snowdrop Campaign was set up after the Dunblane school massacre in 1996, and with media help it resulted in the banning of handguns. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 followed public outcry after a series of attacks on children by dogs.
- PRESSURE GROUPS bring matters they are interested in to the attention of the public and the government…
PRESSURE GROUPS bring matters they are interested in to the attention of the public and the government. Sectional pressure groups represent the interests of a particular group of people, such as the British Medical Association which represents doctors, and Trade Unions which represent different types of workers. They are “insider groups” and are more likely to influence the government as they represent large and/or powerful groups.
- Cause Pressure Groups, Outsider Groups…
Cause Pressure Groups represent a particular cause such as Greenpeace (environment), Amnesty (human rights) and Extinction Rebellion (environment). They are “outsider groups” and are less influential. Gina Martin launched an individual campaign that resulted in the Voyeurism Act 2019 which made ‘upskirting’ a criminal offence.
Other examples of the government changing the law due to a pressure group are:
The League Against Cruel Sports and the passing of the Hunting Act 2004 which banned foxhunting; the RSPCA and the passing of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 concerning the treatment of pets; ASH and the British Medical Association and the 2007 banning of smoking in public places.
- LOBBYISTS try to persuade individual MPs to support their cause. The phrase “lobbying” comes from…
LOBBYISTS try to persuade individual MPs to support their cause. The phrase “lobbying” comes from the gathering of MPs and peers in the corridors (lobbies) of Parliament before and after debates.
- If successful, an MP may be persuaded to ask questions in Parliament about an issue, or…
If successful, an MP may be persuaded to ask questions in Parliament about an issue, or to introduce a Private Members’ Bill with a view to reforming the law. It is estimated that some MPs are approached over 100 times a week by Lobbyists. In 2017, it was revealed by Green Peace that the government cut its recycling target, thanks to lobbying from the plastics industry.
- Most Lobbying is done by professional lobbyists on behalf of businesses and pressure groups including…
Most Lobbying is done by Professional Lobbyists on behalf of businesses and pressure groups including trade unions and charities. The professional lobbying industry in 2007 was estimated to be worth £1.9 billion, employing 14,000 people.
- THE LAW COMMISSION is a full time body set up by The Law Commission Act 1965. It researches…
THE LAW COMMISSION is a full time body set up by The Law Commission Act 1965. It researches an area of law that needs reform, it then publishes a consultation paper with suggestions for reform, and then following responses to the paper, it will draw up proposals presented in a researched report.
