Pressure groups and other influences (D&P 1.3) Flashcards
1
Q
What is a pressure group?
A
A pressure group is an organised group who aim to influence policy, decision-making, or legislation without seeking political office themselves.
2
Q
What are the three types of pressure group?
A
Sectional / interest groups
Cause / promotional groups
Social movements
3
Q
What is a sectional pressure group?
A
- A sectional group seeks to promote the interests of an occupation or another group in society.
- Membership is usually restricted to people who meet specific requirements.
4
Q
What is a causal pressure group?
A
- A cause group is focused on achieving a particular goal or drawing attention to an issue or group of related issues
- Membership is usally open to anyone who sympathises with aims
5
Q
What is a social movement pressure group?
A
A social movement are more loosely structured; they are usually politically radical and seek to achieve a single objective
6
Q
What is an insider pressure group?
A
- An insider group relies on contacts with ministers and civil servants to achieve their aims.
- They tend to have objectives that broadly are in line with the views of the government, increasing their leverage
7
Q
What is an outsider pressure group?
A
- An outsider group is not consulted by the government
- Usually ideas are far out of the political mainstream, or the group may wish to preserve its independence and reputation
8
Q
What is an example of a social movement?
A
Camps for Climate Action
> Short periods between 2006-2010
> Protest (for example) against the expansion of Heathrow airport and coal-fired power stations in Yorkshire
9
Q
What is an example of an insider pressure group?
A
CBI
Unite
BBA
10
Q
What is an example of an outsider pressure group?
A
Just Stop Oil
Extinction Rebellion
RMT
Greenpeace
11
Q
Why can groups move from insider to outsider status, and give one example of this happening.
A
- Changing government party (i.e from Labour to Conservatives)
> Election of Thatcher in 1979 meant trade union leaders were deliverately exlcuded form the corridors of power
12
Q
What methods may an insider pressure group have?
A
- Negotiate quietly behind the scenes
- Offer views on draft legislation
- Specialised knowledge in return for influence on policy
13
Q
What methods may an outsider pressure group have?
A
- Email campaigns and petitions
- Publicity stunts or demonstrations
- Direct action
14
Q
What happened to the BMA, particularly under the Conservatives in the mid-2010s?
A
- The BMA, a typically insider pressure group, were faced with the Conservatives determination to impose a new contract on junior doctors
> Indicated its support for strike action in autumn 2016 (classic outsider group tactic)
15
Q
What did the 38 Degrees group do in 2016?
A
- Collected 320,000 online signatures, helping persuade the government not to privatise the Land Registry
16
Q
What are the four main factors which determine how successful a pressure group is?
A
- Tactics and leadership
- Resources
- Public support
- Government attitudes
17
Q
How many people do the RSPCA employ?
A
1600
18
Q
What happened with the CND in the mid-1980s?
A
Despite it having an estimated 110,000 members, Thatcher’s government could afford to ignore its large and well-orchestrated demonstrations as it relied on the passive support of the majority of the population.
19
Q
What role did the RSPCA play in the Hunting Act 2004?
A
- The RSPCA secured the ban on hunting with dogs by collaborating with two similar groups, the LACS and IFAW, so that they were not competing with eachother
20
Q
What was the Snowdrop campaign?
A
The Snowdrop campaign was to ban the use of handguns; successful largely because of public reaction to the 1996 Dunblane Primary School massacre, where sixteen children and their teacher were killed.
21
Q
How did the BMA successfully campaign for the ban on smoking in cars carrying children?
A
- The BMA had already contributed to the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces (2007)
- BMA first made its case in Nov 2011; government had no plans for legislation
- BMA concentrated on campaigning for prohibition where children were being carried, instead of cars in general
> Asthma UK supported this
> Used online technology to lobby for support
> Made its case to members of the HoL
> Ban came into force in October 2015
Good illustration of successful pressure-group politics, showing a willingness to focus on an attainable goal.
22
Q
What happened in October 2011 with the Occupy London movement?
A
- A group of protestors occupied the square in front of St Pauls, where they erected tents until they were evicted by order of the High Court four months later
> Were protesting about corporate greed, which they held was responsible for social inequality
> Actions echoed globally
> Occupy failed to achieve long-lasting results, due to a strong stand taken by authorities, but also a broad, incoherent objective
Represented a general hostility to global capitalism, without practical, achieveable goals
> Lacked the capacity to channel its unfocused idealism into practical political activity
23
Q
What is a think tank?
A
A think tank is a group of experts brought together to investigate topics and offer solutions to policy and issues.
24
Q
What are some examples of think tanks, and what is Tufton Street?
A
Tufton Street is a street on London where a lot of (right-wing) think tanks are located
Adam Smith Institute
Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA)
TaxPayer’s Alliance
Global Warming Policy Foundation
25
What happened in September 2000, in relation to oil refineries and strikes?
- Protests related to fuel prices began to intensify, marking the beginning of a series of nationwide fuel blockades.
> Organised by truckers, farmers, and other groups, targetting major oil refineries and distribution points.
> Caused widespread fuel shortages and significant disruption to the economy
> Protests ended when Blair promised to freeze fuel prices
26
What are some current insider think tanks?
Labour Together
Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
The Fabian Society
27
What was the Lex Greensill / David Cameron lobbying scandal?
- Revolved around Cameron’s lobbying on behalf of Greensill Capital, a financial firm where he worked as an advisor after his tenure as Prime Minister
> Cameron contacted government officials, including Chancellor Rishi Sunak, seeking access to Covid-related financial schemes for Greensill, raising concerns about cronyism and conflicts of interest.
> Led to public scrutiny and an investigation into the appropriateness of such lobbying, highlighting gaps in lobbying regulations and leading to calls for stronger oversight.
28
What was the Jack Straw and Sir Malcolm Rifkind scandal in 2010?
- Allegations in 2010 when former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and ex-Home Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind were caught in a sting operation by the The Daily Telegraph.
> Filmed appearing to offer their influence to a fictitious foreign company in exchange for payment.
> Incident led to an investigation into their conduct and raised concerns about the "revolving door" between politics and business.
> Both politicians were heavily criticised for their actions, which sparked debates on parliamentary ethics and lobbying practices.
29
What is Greenpeace?
Greenpeace is an international environmental organisation that campaigns on issues such as climate change, deforestation, and ocean pollution.
30
What is RMT?
RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union) is a British trade union representing workers in transport industries.
31
What is one example of a Greenpeace success?
Greenpeace successfully opposed the opening of oil exploration in Greenland’s waters in 2012, helping raise global awareness of environmental risks to the Arctic.
32
What is one example of an RMT success?
In the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics, the RMT secured a pay rise for London Underground workers, ensuring they received additional compensation for working during the event.
> This success was part of the union's broader negotiations to guarantee better pay and conditions for staff, particularly those working long hours and under heightened demands during the Olympic period.
> The pay rise was a significant outcome of the union’s efforts to protect workers’ interests while maintaining essential services during a globally watched event.
33
What is one example of a Greenpeace failure?
In 2014, Greenpeace failed to prevent the Danish government from approving oil drilling permits in Greenland’s waters, despite continued campaigns and protests, illustrating the challenge of influencing Arctic resource extraction policies.
34
What is one example of an RMT failure?
In 2016, the RMT Union failed to prevent the planned closure of ticket offices across London Underground stations.
> Despite vigorous opposition, including strikes and campaigns to protect jobs and services, Transport for London (TfL) proceeded with the closures as part of a wider cost-cutting strategy.
> Closed hundreds
> The decision was seen as a significant defeat for the RMT, as it argued the closures would harm accessibility and safety.
35
What are Greenpeace's methods?
- Direct action
- Protests
- Lobbying
- Public education
All done to raise awareness and influence policy changes / legislation.
36
What are RMT's methods?
- Strikes
- Industrial action
- Negotiations
- Lobbying
- Public campaigns
All done to protect workers' rights, improve pay, and maintain job security.
37
What are lobbyists?
Lobbyists are members of professional organisations who are paid by clients seeking access to government, or to MPs and members of the HoL.
> Purpose is to gain influence on behalf of their client, particularly when legislation affects their clients' interests.
38
What did the government do in 2014 in connection with lobbying?
- Made it a legal requirement for anyone lobbying on behalf of a third party to register if their activities include discussing policy, legislation or government contracts with a minister.
39
How many people does lobbying employ, and how much money is spent on it each year?
An estimated 4000, and a total of £2 billion a year.
40
What is a corporation?
A corporation is a large business organisation.
41
What is the 'revolving door' syndrome?
The 'revolving door' proccess is where senior politicians and officials take high paying jobs in the private sector after they leave government service; viewed with very high suspicion as they use knowledge and contacts to benefit interests of corporation.
42
What is the importance of Nissan and Sunderland? (Corporations Case Study)
Nissan's Sunderland plant is crucial to the UK economy, particularly in the North East. It is one of the largest car manufacturing plants in Europe
> The plant supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, including in supply chains. Its importance extends beyond employment; it plays a key role in regional economic growth and in the UK's automotive sector, particularly in terms of exports.
> The plant's future is linked to global trade agreements and the UK's automotive policy.
> £200 million of public money has been put into Nissan (corporate welfare)
43
What is the importance of DP World and Labour? (Corporations Case Study)
DP World, a global trade company based in Dubai, has a significant presence in the UK, particularly with its ownership of the London Gateway Port and P&O Ferries.
> Company has been important to the UK economy, investing heavily in infrastructure projects.
> Relationship with the UK government, particularly under Labour, has been complicated; Labour ministers in 2024 criticised P&O Ferries for unfair treatment of workers
> This led to a £1 billion pound investment in a British port pulled
44
What is a manifesto?
A political manifesto is a set of ideas or policies published by a party in an election.
45
What are two problems with a manifesto?
- A party can go against manifesto promises post-election
- A manifesto is usually long and difficult to process for the average voter
46
What is a mandate?
A mandate is the given right to do something.
47
What are ways of participation in politics?
- Pressure groups
- Petitions and e-democracy
- Voting in elections
- Party membership
- Member of a lobbyist group / think tank
- Protests and direct action
- Voting in referendums
- Social media to voice political opinion
48
Name seven methods pressure groups use.
- Public demonstrations
- Evidence at hearings
- Insider lobbying
- Publicity stunts
- Civil disobedience
- Going on strikes
- Test cases
49
Why do pressure groups use public demonstrations?
Marches and rallies gain publicity and demonstrate the strength of a particular cause (i.e. Stop the War Coalition)
50
Why do pressure groups provide evidence at hearings?
Testifying in front of legislative and select committtees help groups to exert influence on those in a position on power.
51
Why do pressure groups use insider lobbying?
Groups with close access to government and/or Parliament (e.g the CBI or BBA) are able to win votes for their cause.
51
Why do pressure groups use publicity stunts?
Small groups with few resources carry these out in order to try and gain media attention (i.e. Fathers 4 Justice)
52
Why do pressure groups use test cases?
Groups do this to try and secure the legal rights of their members, or, in the case of Liberty, to protect civil rights against government.
53
Why do pressure groups use civil disobedience?
Some groups may use illegal methods such as disrupting public events in order to bring attention to their cause (i.e. Plane Stupid invading airports)
54
Why do pressure groups go on strike?
Workers may do this to put pressure on those in power by disrupting services. The BMA have done this to try and stop a new contract for junior doctors.
55
What piece of legislation is being described?:
"Brought the ECHR into UK law, codifying it and allowing citizens to access rights prorection through UK courts"
Human Rights Act 1998
56
What piece of legislation is being described?:
"Gave citizens the right to view information held by any public body unless it would threaten national security to publish it."
Freedom of Information Act 2000
57
What piece of legislation is being described?:
"Codified into one document several existing laws, outlawing discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, and sexual orientation."
Equality Act 2010
58
Groups like the BMA and BBA can afford to hire professional lobbyists who use their wealth and influence to persuade government.
> How much did banking alone spend on lobbying in 2011?
£93 million
59
What did the BBA influence using their close ties with the government to get for banks following the 2008 financial crisis?
An £850 billion support package.
60
Why could Historic England not campaign against HS2?
- Historic England failed as an insider group as they were trapped in their status - they could do little to protest HS2 despite its negative impact as they rely heavily on government funding.
61
Name one example of a group being called to give evidence at government select committees?
Cladding Action Group for Grenfell Tower event
62
What insider groups usually lose favour, power and influence when Labour is out of power?
Trade unions
63
Name one group which started as an outsider but has shifted insider?
Stonewall
64
Why is the separation of the Supreme Court important?
- Until the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, there was a fusion of powers
> Most modern democracies operate a separation of powers
> Change was striggered not due to accusations of corruption but due to a desire to modernise the judiciary and bring Britain in line
65
Who was Burke?
Burke was a conservatist Whig MP, elected as MP for Bristol in the late 18th century
> Known opponent of slavery
> Followed the trustee model of an MP (Also known as the Burkean model)
66
What is the Burkean/trustee model for an MP?
- Take account interests of public but do not bound your opinion and decisions to them
67
What is the delegate model for an MP?
- Take account interests of public and act accordingly, not allowing for adaptation or personal influence on decision-making.
68
What did Burke say defending the trustee model?
"You choose a member indeed; but when you have chosen him, he is not a member of Bristol, but he is a member of Parliament"
69
What is the importance of Kate Hoey, in relation to the trustee model?
- Kate Hoey, Labour MP for Vauhall, voted for a Brexit deal
> This is despite the fact that 81% of her constituency voting Remain
70
What is the importance of Chris Bryant, in relation to the trustee model?
- Chris Bryant, Conservative MP for Rhondaa, voted against Brexit deals
> Despite the fact that Rhondaa voted for Brexit
71
What is the importance of Rupert Lowe, in relation to the delegate model?
- Rupert Lowe, Reform MP for Yarmouth, put a poll for his constituents on the assisted dying bill, and stated that he would align himself with the result of the poll (delegate)
72
How did trade unions succeed in influencing legislation due to government priority?
The TUC (Trades Union Congress) played a key role in the introduction of the National Minimum Wage under the New Labour government.
> The TUC provided research and lobbying efforts to support Labour’s commitment to introducing the policy, which was a manifesto pledge in 1997.
> The government prioritised reducing inequality and improving worker rights, aligning with the TUC’s goals.
> The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 was passed, representing a major victory for the TUC and the Labour government’s broader social justice agenda.
73
In 2018, how did Greenpeace succeed in influencing legislation due to government priority?
Greenpeace and the 2018 Microbead Ban
> Greenpeace campaigned for a ban on microbeads, which are harmful to marine life.
> Ran public awareness campaigns and mobilised grassroots support.
> The UK government introduced legislation banning the sale and manufacture of products containing microbeads.
> Tackling plastic pollution was in line with the government’s broader environmental agenda, particularly as public awareness and concern about pollution grew.
74
What is 'Insulate Britain'?
Aim of pushing the UK government to insulate all social housing in the country by 2030 as part of efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions.
75
What is 'Fathers 4 Justice'?
Aim of securing equal rights for fathers in child custody disputes, particularly following divorce or separation.
> Fathers have equal access to their children and a fair say in parenting decisions.
76
What is 'Stop the War Coalition'?
British anti-war movement founded in 2001 in response to the UK's involvement in the Iraq War.
> Goal was to prevent military action in Iraq, protesting against what it saw as an unjust war.
77
What did Extinction Rebellion do in 2019 which succeeded?
Extinction Rebellion (2019 climate emergency declaration):
> XR’s disruptive protests, such as blocking roads and bridges, pressured the UK government to declare a climate emergency, a symbolic but significant step toward recognising the climate crisis.
Example of a success for a pressure group utilising direct action.
78
How did Insulate Britain fail utilising direct action?
Insulate Britain (2021 road blockades):
> Blockades of major roads caused significant public frustration and backlash.
> Their actions drew attention to their cause but alienated potential supporters, reducing the effectiveness of their campaign.
79
How did Fathers 4 Justice fail utilising direct action?
Fathers 4 Justice
> High-profile stunts, such as scaling buildings or disrupting public events, attracted media attention but often trivialised their cause.
> After they threw a condom full of purple powder at Tony Blair, it turned the government completely against their campaign.
80
How did Stop the War Coalition fail utilising direct action?
Stop the War Coalition (Iraq War protests, 2003):
> Despite organising the largest protest in British history, their direct action failed to prevent the Iraq War, showing that even mass mobilisation is not always effective.
81
What is the argument against Stop The War / Fathers 4 Justice / Insulate Britain 'failing'?
- Despite the fact that these groups didn't achieve their goal, it does not completely discredit direct action, as they all raised mass awareness for their cause, i.e. through newspapers and media coverage.
82
When did Greenpeace fail, utilising direct action?
Amazon Protest (2019)
> Greenpeace staged a protest at Amazon’s headquarters in 2019, blocking trucks and distribution centers to highlight the company’s role in global deforestation.
> While the protest garnered media coverage, it failed to force Amazon to change its practices.
83
When did Greenpeace succeed, utilising direct action?
Shell Oil Platform Protest (2015)
> Greenpeace succeeded in halting Shell's plans to drill for oil in the Arctic by occupying their oil rigs.
> Their direct action gained significant global media attention and created widespread public pressure on Shell.
> This ultimately led to Shell’s temporary suspension of drilling in the Arctic, showing the effectiveness of Greenpeace’s high-profile campaigns.
84
When did the RMT succeed, utilising direct action?
Virgin East Coast dispute (2019)
> RMT members and supporters physically blocked train doors and occupied stations to prevent driver-only operation from being implemented.
> The direct action, which included track occupations and station sit-ins alongside official strikes, successfully forced Virgin to maintain guards on all trains.
85
What is an example of a right-wing think tank, and what does it focus on?
Fight wing: Adam Smith Institute – free market issues, Conservative-oriented;
86
What is an example of a left-wing think tank, and what does it focus on?
Left Wing: IPPR Institute of Public Policy Research – socio-economic policy issues, e.g. housing, poverty,
Labour-oriented Think Tank (first New Labour, more recently Soft left).
87
What is an example of a left-wing newspaper accusing right-wing thinktanks?
Left wing Guardian newspaper have accused the right wing thinktanks located in 55 Tufton Street (e.g. Adam Smith Institute, IEA, Policy Exchange) as UK fronts for powerful US based pressure groups and think tanks which are using ‘dark money’ (money for political campaigns that do not come under the PPERA Act in order to hide traces of foreign influence that might be from politically sensitive sources,
e.g. from individuals and firms involved in Tobacco or weapons industries)
to influence British politics in a New Right direction.
