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Politics: UK Politics (C1P1) > Pressure groups and other influences (D&P 1.3) > Flashcards

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.

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2
Q

What are the three types of pressure group?

A

Sectional / interest groups
Cause / promotional groups
Social movements

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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.
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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 iams
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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

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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
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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
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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

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9
Q

What is an example of an insider pressure group?

A

NFU (close links with relevant government department, Defra)
Labour Together
Unite
BBA

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10
Q

What is an example of an outsider pressure group?

A

Just Stop Oil
Extinction Rebellion
RMT
Greenpeace

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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
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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
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13
Q

What methods may an outsider pressure group have?

A
  • Email campaigns and petitions
  • Publicity stunts or demonstrations
  • Direct action
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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)
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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
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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
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17
Q

How many people do the RSPCA employ?

A

1600

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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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25
Q

What happened in September 2000, in relation to oil refineries and strikes?

A
  • 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
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26
Q

What are some current insider think tanks?

A

Labour Together
Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
The Fabian Society

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27
Q

What was the Lex Greensil / David Cameron lobbying scandal?

A
  • 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.
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28
Q

What was the Jack Straw and Sir Malcolm Rifkind scandal?

A
  • 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.
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29
Q

What is Greenpeace?

A

Greenpeace is an international environmental organisation that campaigns on issues such as climate change, deforestation, and ocean pollution.

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30
Q

What is RMT?

A

RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union) is a British trade union representing workers in transport industries.

31
Q

What is one example of a Greenpeace success?

A

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
Q

What is one example of an RMT success?

A

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
Q

What is one example of a Greenpeace failure?

A

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
Q

What is one example of an RMT failure?

A

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
Q

What are Greenpeace’s methods?

A
  • Direct action
  • Protests
  • Lobbying
  • Public education

All done to raise awareness and influence policy changes / legislation.

36
Q

What are RMT’s methods?

A
  • Strikes
  • Industrial action
  • Negotiations
  • Lobbying
  • Public campaigns

All done to protect workers’ rights, improve pay, and maintain job security.

37
Q

What are lobbyists?

A

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 lcient, particularly when legislation affects their clients’ interests.

38
Q

What did the government do in 2014 in connection with lobbying?

A
  • 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
Q

How many people does lobbying employ, and how much money is spent on it each year?

A

An estimated 4000, and a total of £2 billion a year.

40
Q

What is a corporation?

A

A corporation is a large business organisation.

41
Q

What is the ‘revolving door’ syndrome?

A

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
Q

What is the importance of Nissan and Sunderland? (Corporations Case Study)

A

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
Q

What is the importance of DP World and Labour? (Corporations Case Study)

A

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
Q

What is a manifesto?

A

A political manifesto is a set of ideas or policies published by a party in an election.

45
Q

What are two problems with a manifesto?

A
  • A party can go against manifesto promises post-election
  • A manifesto is usually long and difficult to process for the average voter
46
Q

What is a mandate?

A

A mandate is the given right to do something.

47
Q

What are ways of participation in politics?

A
  • 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
Q

Name seven methods pressure groups use.

A
  • Public demonstrations
  • Evidence at hearings
  • Insider lobbying
  • Publicity stunts
  • Ccivil disobedience
  • Going on strikes
  • Test cases
49
Q

Why do pressure groups use public demonstrations?

A

Marches and rallies gain publicity and demonstrate the strength of a particular cause (i.e. Stop the War Coalition)

50
Q

Why do pressure groups provide evidence at hearings?

A

Testifying in front of legislative and select committtees help groups to exert influence on those in a position on power.

51
Q

Why do pressure groups use insider lobbying?

A

Groups with close access to government and/or Parliament (e.g the CBI or BBA) are able to win votes for their cause.

51
Q

Why do pressure groups use publicity stunts?

A

Small groups with few resources carry these out in order to try and gain media attention (i.e. Fathers 4 Justice)

52
Q

Why do pressure groups use test cases?

A

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
Q

Why do pressure groups use civil disobedience?

A

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
Q

Why do pressure groups go on strike?

A

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
Q

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”

A

Human Rights Act 1998

56
Q

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.”

A

Freedom of Information Act 2000

57
Q

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.”

A

Equality Act 2010

58
Q

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?

A

£93 million

59
Q

What did the BBA influence using their close ties with the government to get for banks following the 2008 financial crisis?

A

An £850 billion support package.

60
Q

Name two examples of pressure groups or movements making headlines but this not translating into success?

A

Occupy (2012)
Insulate Britain

61
Q

Why could Historic England not campaign against HS2?

A
  • 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.
62
Q

Name one example of a group being called to give evidence at government select committees?

A

Cladding Action Group for Grenfell Tower event

63
Q

What insider groups usually lose favour, power and influence when Labour is out of power?

A

Trade unions

64
Q

Name one group which started as an outsider but has shifted insider?

A

Stonewall

65
Q

Why is the separation of the Supreme Court important?

A
  • 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
66
Q

Who was Burke?

A

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)

67
Q

What is the Burkean/trustee model for an MP?

A
  • Take account interests of public but do not bound your opinion and decisions to them
68
Q

What is the delegate model for an MP?

A
  • Take account interests of public and act accordingly, not allowing for adaptation or personal influence on decision-making.
69
Q

What did Burke say defending the trustee model?

A

“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”

70
Q

What is the importance of Kate Hoey, in relation to the trustee model?

A
  • Kate Hoey, Labour MP for Vauhall, voted for a Brexit deal
    > This is despite the fact that 81% of her constituency voting Remain
71
Q

What is the importance of Chris Bryant, in relation to the trustee model?

A
  • Chris Bryant, Conservative MP for Rhondaa, voted against Brexit deals
    > Despite the fact that Rhondaa voted for Brexit
72
Q

What is the importance of Rupert Lowe, in relation to the delegate model?

A
  • 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)

Politics: UK Politics (C1P1) (11 decks)

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