Influences On Parliment To Make New Laws Flashcards
What influence can public opinion have on the government?
Public opinion can influence the government, especially before a general election.
What legislation followed public outcry after attacks on children by dogs?
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was enacted following public outcry.
How do public opinion and the media interact?
Public opinion and the media feed off each other.
What was the outcome of the ‘Name and Shame’ campaign in 2000?
‘Sarah’s law’ was passed, requiring police to keep a register of convicted pedophiles.
This law was a response to public outcry and media campaigns.
What was the Cullen Public Inquiry?
It was set up in response to public horror after the Dunblane school massacre in 1996.
What was the result of the Cullen Public Inquiry?
It resulted in the banning of handguns under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.
What role do pressure groups play in public opinion?
Pressure groups bring matters of interest to the attention of the public and the government.
What was the Snowdrop Campaign?
It was set up after the Dunblane school massacre and helped lead to the banning of handguns.
What are sectional pressure groups?
Sectional pressure groups represent the interests of a particular group of people, such as the British Medical Association and Trade Unions. They are considered ‘insider groups’ and are more likely to influence the government.
What are cause pressure groups?
Cause pressure groups represent a particular cause, such as Greenpeace and Amnesty. They are considered ‘outsider groups’ and are less influential.
What was the result of Gina Martin’s campaign?
Gina Martin launched an individual campaign that resulted in the Voyeurism Act 2019, making ‘upskirting’ a criminal offence.
What is an example of a law change due to a pressure group?
The League Against Cruel Sports contributed to the passing of the Hunting Act 2004, which banned foxhunting.
Other examples include the RSPCA and the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and ASH with the 2007 smoking ban.
How can emergency situations influence law changes?
Emergency situations can lead to swift law changes, such as the response to the Twin Towers attack in 2001, which resulted in the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.
What is the role of lobbyists?
Lobbyists try to persuade individual MPs to support their cause, often approaching them over 100 times a week.
What is the origin of the term ‘lobbying’?
The term ‘lobbying’ comes from the gathering of MPs and peers in the corridors (lobbies) of Parliament before and after debates.
What was revealed by Greenpeace in 2017?
In 2017, Greenpeace revealed that the government cut its recycling target due to lobbying from the plastics industry.
What is the estimated worth of the professional lobbying industry?
The professional lobbying industry was estimated to be worth £1.9 billion in 2007, employing 14,000 people.
What is the purpose of The Law Commission?
The Law Commission researches areas of law needing reform, publishes consultation papers, and draws up proposals based on responses.
What are political influences on law reform?
Before a general election, political parties publish manifestos listing law reforms they would implement if elected. The winning party should bring these reforms as Acts of Parliament.
An example is the 2019 Conservative Party promising to ‘get Brexit done.’
What happened to the 2015 Conservative Party manifesto promise?
Teresa May abandoned the 2015 Conservative Party manifesto promise of repealing the Human Rights Act 1998.
What is announced at the opening of each session of Parliament?
The government’s plans for new laws are announced in the King’s Speech, which is written by the Prime Minister and other senior ministers.
What is a Private Members’ Bill?
A Private Members’ Bill is a Public Bill sponsored by an individual MP who is not part of the government, known as a ‘backbencher’.
How are MPs selected to present a Private Members’ Bill?
Each parliamentary session has a ballot in which 20 MPs are selected to present a Bill to Parliament.
Do many Private Members’ Bills become law?
Very few Private Members’ Bills become law.
What is a notable example of a Private Members’ Bill?
The Abortion Act 1967, which legalised abortion, introduced by David Steel MP.
