how influential are pressure groups, think-tanks and corporations?

a03

they are influential

theme 1

status and relationship with the government

weak 1

many groups have incompatible views with the government and the government will normally ignore them

• Extinction rebellion— blocked bridges, glued themselves to gates of downing street and closed roads for legal reduction policy to carbon emissions, but were ignored

strong 1

many groups have a good relationship with the government and have a direct input into government policy

• BMA lobbied policy makers through direct meetings, parliamentary briefings and media work to ensure the Health and Care act 2022 addressed their concerns

theme 2

representing many people (potential electorate)

weak 2

even though some groups do have a large support amongst the public, the government might have other priorities such as a clear mandate from an election

• 2003 stop the war coalition to stop the iraq invasion → marches over 1M in London but failed as the government largely supported Blair when he asked the HOC

Some groups may be actively opposed by rival organisations which reduces their strength to influence

• Just Stop Oil 2022 were opposed by the general public and had other groups trying to bring them down

strong 2

governments are mindful of adverse publicity. they will be willing to respond to a group that has successfully captured the attention of a vast number of the electorate

• ghurka justice campaign positioned for all ghurkas (former nepalese soldiers who helped in the UK war effort) led by actress Joanna Lumley and achieved over 250,000 signatures → Cameron allowed them to stay

theme 3

resources

weak 3

many groups will not have the necessary resources to successfully campaign and /or put their arguments across

• 2024 palestine solidarity campaign = 250,000 march for ceasefire but have little means to closely influence the government

strong 3

many groups do have the resources to pursue their activities successfully

• insider groups = CBI, BMA and NFU

some even have the resources to use the court system

• 2017 Liberty - john walker legal loophole in equality act which let employers exempt same-sex couples from spousal pension benefits → sc found loophole unlawful