Pressure Groups, Think Tanks, and Lobbying in the UK Flashcards
What are Pressure Groups?
The sources differentiate between insider and outsider pressure groups and their varying impacts.
What are Insider Groups?
Work closely with the government and are consulted for their expertise. The British Medical Association (BMA) successfully pressured the government to increase NHS spending (2019-24). Their influence is higher when their views align with the government’s. However, “insider groups can still fail if contradicts gov policy,” as demonstrated by the BMA’s failure to prevent the proposal for a 7-day NHS because “the Tory has been determined to introduce such policies.”
What are Outsider Groups?
Maintain distance to preserve ideological purity and often rely on public support. ‘38 Degrees’ successfully stopped the privatisation of England’s forests due to its large membership and public appeal. However, their actions can be counterproductive if the public disapproves of their methods, such as violent actions by animal rights extremists like ‘Animal Liberation’, which “failed to achieve goals as public opposed to methods eg arson.”
What are Think Tanks?
Composed of experts who develop policy ideas based on a shared political philosophy. They are often consulted by political parties due to their expertise. “The Legatum institute’ helped draw up letters w/ boris to PM May which outlined certain brexit demands,” showing their influence. However, their influence is “only influential when respective ideology in power,” meaning left-wing think tanks have limited impact under a right-wing government and vice versa.
What are Lobbyists?
Paid by private clients to gain access to the government and influence legislation. They can be effective on a small scale, such as “protecting rights of LGBT and challenging the ban on gay people joining the army - was successfully removed in 1999.” However, their influence on major issues is limited, as seen with “‘Best for Britain’ lobbyists tried to get another referendum through persuading MP’s but this wasn’t successful and Bojo carried out his ‘Get Brexit done’ Plans.” The Transparency of Lobbying Act also aimed to reduce their impact.
