Think tanks, lobbyists and celebrites

Question 1

What other organisations other than pressure groups have external influence on decision makers?

Answer 1

Think tanks, lobbyists and celebrities - some set up by the Govt to advise on policy.

+ The King’s Fund = Health policy and expenditure.
+ Office of Fair Trading = Protects consumer interest,
+ Health and Safety Executive = semi-independent arm of Govt, advising on possible legislation in its field

Question 2

What are think tanks?

Answer 2

• Organisation - undertakes research into various aspects of public policy and used by decision makers to inform their policy deliberation.
• Financed by either the government or by private sources (or both).
• Neutral or can hold strong opinions about something which they want the government to accept and make policy regarding.

Question 3

Name 2 neutral think tanks

Answer 3

+ Respublica = general policy issues.
+ Chatham House = international affairs.

Question 4

Name a left-wing think tank

Answer 4

• Fabian society.
• Deals with issues with social justice and equality.
• Does influence the Labour Govt - most significant contribution to policy agenda was Ed Balls’s 1992 discussion paper, advocating Bank of England independence.

Question 5

Name a right-wing think tank

Answer 5

• Adam Smith Institute.
• Promotes free market solutions to economic issues.
• Formed the primary intellectual force behind privatisation of state-owned industries during the premiership of Margaret Thatcher, and alongside the Centre for Policy Studies and Institute of Economic Affairs advanced a neoliberal approach toward public policy on privatisation, taxation, education and healthcare.

Question 6

Name 2 liberal think tanks

Answer 6

+ Liberty = promoting issues concerning the protection of rights and liberties.
+ Reform = concerning policies on welfare, public services and economic management.

Question 7

What are lobbyists

Answer 7

• Sometimes called lobby groups - also described as public relations companies or public affairs agencies.
• Operates around EU institutions, Westminister, central government departments and devolved administrations.
• Often employs former politicians who know their way around access points and can offer personal contacts in the political system.
• Far from neutral - exists to promote a particular interest. Often criticised for being the ‘hidden face’ of influence for being representatives of only wealth interests.

Question 8

Celebrities

Answer 8

• Celebrities increasingly used to promote a cause - gives opportunities for media attention and attracting public support.
• Advantage of offering influence without any great expenses.

Question 9

Example of celebrities: Joanna Lumley

Answer 9

• Former James Bond film star took up the cause of the Gurkhas (Nepalese soldiers serving in the English army).
• Gurkha Justice campaign sought to gain the Gurkhas’ right to residence in the UK.
• Successful in 2009

Question 10

Examples of celebrities: Jamie Oliver

Answer 10

• Chef campaigned for many years for healthier eating, especially among school children.
• Constantly lobbies govt to tackle child obesity.

Question 11

Examples of celebrities: Marcus Rashford

Answer 11

• Manchester United footballer waged a high-profile campaign in 2020 to persuade the government to provide free meals to vulnerable youngsters in England throughout the school holidays during the coronavirus pandemic, forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson into a U-turn.
• It ultimately led to the UK Govt providing £400m over 12 months to support poorer families with the cost of food and household bills.