Pressure groups enhance democracy

Thesis 1 - Increase political participation

• Greenpeace has 3.5 million members

• Political party membership has decreased-2019 Corbyn had 500K members

• Promotional PGs have a large membership base.

Anti Thesis Point 1 - Elitism

• Lobbyists are a £2 billion industry

• Only those with privilege have insider access

• Bernie Ecclestone (head of F1) paid £1 million to Labour to allow tobbacco adverts which was banned by the EU

Thesis Point 2 - Increase political education

• They give info on democracy with public/online campaigns

• they raise awareness and influence public opinion

Anti Thesis Point 2 -Corruption

• Civil disobedience and legal challenges hinder the sovereignty of Parliament and its running

• Extinction Rebellion in 2019 shutting down busy bridges

• 2001 Countryside alliance with fox hunting

• Also not elected

Thesis Point 3 - Increase Political representation

• Niche issues usually not addressed in Manifestos

• Due to FPTP there’s a 2 party system that leaves most parties not able to influence - 2024 GE Labour + Tory Got 60% combined

• You Gov Poll shows that the environment was the 8th most important issue

Counter Thesis 3- Over representation

• NFU 2011 DEFRA badger debacle

• Hinders democracy cos Govt prioritises them instead