Pressure Groups support Democracy and Participation

P1 For

Increase public participation
‘We Demand A Referendum’ submitted a petition with over 100k signatures led to a parliamentary debate on EU membership in 2012

P1 Against

Unequal access and influence
Lobbyists working with British Bankers Association in 2022
Led to Truss and Kwarteng removing the cap for bankers’ bonuses in attempt to encourage investment

P2 For

Represent diverse interests
High profile of the pressure group Palestine Action during the conflict in Gaza
In 2025 were labelled as a terrorist group but took the ruling to the high court where this was overturned
R v Ammori

P3 For

Improves scrutiny and accountability
BMA scrutinise health policy leading to Sugar Tax in 2018
Amnesty - Black people are 7x more likely to be ‘stopped and searched’ - Equality Act 2010

P3 Against

Outsider PG expression methods are often disruptive to societal function as have no direct access to gov
2019 and 202 XR roadblocks in London and Bristol
Led to debate on what is a protest and what is the limitation of societal functioning

P2 Against

Lack of transparency and elitism
Greensill Capital Scandal 2021
Formed |MP Cameron used private messages and calls to MP’s to lobby the gov and it’s ministers
Not a public or democratic process