Influences on law making

Political Influences

When a government is formed, it has a programme of reforms it wishes to carry out set out in its party manifesto. At the start of each parliamentary session, the government announces in the King’s Speech what particular laws it intends introducing during that session - government policy.

Individual MPs who aren’t part of government may also have the opportunity to influence legislation by proposing Private Members’ Bills.

Example of political influences

Human Rights Act 1998 - fulfilled Labour manifesto commitment to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.

Public opinion and the media

Where there is strong public opinion about a change to the law, the Government may bow to such opinion. Public opinion is often expressed via the media on TV, newspapers, the internet etc. The media can add to the weight of public opinion by offering free press and increasing public awareness.

Example of public opinion and the media

Voyeurism Act 2019 - made upskirting a specific offence as a result of a high profile case in the media which caused public outrage.

Pressure groups and lobbyists

Pressure group is an organisation formed to bring their issues to the attention of the public and government. Pressure groups may seek to exert influence by:

• Lobbying individual MPs to support their cause

• Direct action e.g strikes/demonstrations

• Petitions

• Media & advertising to attract public sympathy

Example of pressure groups and lobbyists

Stonewall’s campaign for LGBTQ rights led to the repeal of s.28 Local Government Act 1988 which previously banned promotion of LGBTQ relationships in school.