Think tanks, lobbyists and corporations

What are think tanks?

Think tanks are public policy research organisations that seem to influence government policy.

What is the purpose of a think tank?

Their purpose is to influence public policy and debate rather than campaign for policy changes.

Who are think tanks funded by?

* Charitable and corporate sources

What is the main output of think tanks?

The publication of their research and policy work- often see pieces from key think tanks published in the newspaper/media

What do think tanks associate themselves with?

A political ideology

Give an example of centre- right think tank?

The Adam smith institute

Give an example of a centre-left think tank?

The Fabian society

List some strengths of think tanks:

* Political parties will consult think tanks for inspiration on possible legislative proposals
* More time and expertise→ create consistent policies on several issues from a shared political standpoint.
* Under the current conservative government, think tanks have an increasing influence.
* Can also be appointed to government
* Eg. Ian Duncan Smith who lobbied the government but in 2004 was appointed as the works and pensions secretary.→ member may end up as direct members of existing governments

Weaknesses of think thanks:

* Only influential if their respective ideology is in power
* Due to ideological nature of think thanks, the policies tend to be ignored.
* Compromise is needed in the HOC to pass legislation os original proposals of think tanks will be diluted or not followed
* Political parties have become less ideological
* Eg. Labour has abandoned some socialist policies and both labour and conservative favour a pragmatic approach.
* Therefore ideologically driven tanks will not wield much influence.

What is lobbying?

Influencing the decision makers to your advantage- anyone who is paid to lobby

What do lobbyists provide?

They provide valuable information that can enrich the decision making process

What can lobbying increase?

Lobbyists an increase the pluralist nature of our parliamentary system

What is direct lobbying?

When a lobbyist approaches a person in power about a specific piece of legislation whilst expressing their specific views on it.

What is grassroots lobbying?

When the lobbyist approaches the public in an attempt to get them to put pressure on the government bout an issue that favours the lobbyist.

What is electoral lobbying?

When a lobby group provides funds or resources for a candidates electoral campaign- doesnt mean that once elected, the PM will follow the lobby group

Eg. 1997 Bernie ecclestone affair

Example of direct/grassroots lobbying:

Direct lobbying: 2002-1006 British Airport Authority (BAA) officials me with the department for transport 117 times about the Heathrow expansion.

grassroots: 1866- Emily Davies and Elizabeth garret brought to parliament the first mass women’s suffrage petition to parliament

What is the 2014 transparency of lobbying act?

* also known as the “lobbying bill”
* Registration of any lobbying activity must be registrated

What is the importance of the 2014 lobbying act?

* The bill was necessary to increase trust within politicians

Give an example of lobbying causing distrust for politicians?

* Lord Hoyle (HOL) paid in 2007 to introduce a member of an arms lobbyist to the British defence minister.

How much is spent on lobbying every year?

£2 billion

What are the weaknesses of lobbying?

* The revolving door
* Lack of transparency
* Not democratic- only works for those who have money to spend.
* Shouldn’t be able to “buy” influence

How can corporations have influence on the government ?

* Certain corporations are influenced by the government on policies to gain their insight into practicality of proposals

How can corporations influence government?

* corporations higher lobbyists to gain access
* Can influence political decisions by funding political parties, which gives access to political decision makers
* Corporations try to influence political decision managers by controlling sectors of the economy so that they can put pressure on decision makers and gain more favourable policies and laws.

What is an example of corporate influence?

* BMW and airbus threatened to reduce investment and cut thousands of UK jobs in the event of a “hard” brexit
* Bernie ecclestone affair 1997.

Why did the practise of lobbying come under intense scrutiny in 2021?

David Cameron had made contact with current ministers including Sunak as a paid advisor for greensill capital

Why did the Owen Paterson scandal remain in the headlines for several weeks?

It uncovered several controversial issues such as:

* “Consultancy work” taken out by MPS
* scrutiny of the role and work of the commissioner for parliamentary standards and the House of Commons standards committee in mothering alleged conflicts between MPs
* Concern about fairness of investigative process when MPs are found in breach of the rules
* Criticism of conservative government by attempting to change the system for policing MPs behaviour

How much did Owen Paterson earn lobbying for Randox for 16 hours a month?

£8,333+ £12,000 per year for 24 hours of consultancy work

What did the 2021 investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for standards in the case of Owen Paterson Conclude?

* Paterson had repeatedly used privileged position to benefit two companies as a paid consultant that brought the house into chaos- Paterson was suspended for 30 sitting days from the HOC

How did Paterson attempt to defend his behaviour ?

Argued that there was an exemption in lobbying rules for MPS whereby alerting gov officials to “serious wrong or substantial injustice” was acceptable even if it would lead to financial benefit- Paterson argued that this was the case for him due to pandemic

How many MPs received earnings of £81,000 on top of salary last year?

200

How did Johnson initially back Paterson?

Backed an amendment to the motion to suspend him- sought to pause the judgement to review the role of the parliamentary commissioner for stands and the commons standards system

Why did the government have to withdraw the amendment after being passed by 250 votes?

“Government sleaze” headlines