think Tanks + Lobbying Examples - UK, Quizlet

What are think tanks?

a body of experts providing advice and ideas on specific political or economic problems.

The Centre for Policy Studies

Centre for Policy Studies has strong links to influencing Conservative party policy, pushing fundamentalism economically, proponents of free markets etc. Influential in Thatcher's policies especially. Claims to be non-partisan

Fabian Society

Oldest think tank in the UK, close ties to the Labour party, pushing for the evolutionary path to socialism

Adam Smith Institute

As it seems really, proponents of free markets.

Centre for Social Justice

Founded by Iain Duncan Smith, former Tory Leader. Focus on looking after the disadvantaged and poor in Britain, through advocating for marriage as a potential solution, seeing poverty as the result of the actions of the individual.

CSJ - Universal Credit Case Study

Universal Credit combined 6 benefits into one. This idea was suggested by the CSJ in a 2009 report. In 2010 IDS became work and pensions minister under Cameron, and introduced the CSJ's plan - revolving door!

Resolution Foundation

Improving living standards for those on low pay and the disadvantaged. Centre left, founded by Torsten Bell. TB started as a civil servant, then think tanker, now Under Sec. of State for Pensions (revolving door?)

Tufton Street Network

Many right wing economically liberal think tanks such as the Tax-Payers Alliance, IEA and the Adam Smith Institute are on this street/around.

Tufton Street and Truss

The Institute of Economic Affairs, and other economically liberal think tanks, influenced Kwasi Kwarteng and Truss in their mini budget - which some see as undemocratic as the think tanks cannot be held accountable in the same way Truss was - cant just be voted out! Truss was 'incubated by these think tanks'.

Led By Donkeys against Tufton Street

Led By Donkeys created a video holding the Tufton Street Network to account by sharing their influence in the tragic mini budget. Shows influence of pressure groups in accountability, but these think tanks are still around!

Lobbyist CS : Baroness Mone and PPE

Mone lobbied for the govt. to buy from PPEMEDPRO for PPE during covid. Mone failed to declare her connection to the company, and was found to have benefitted financially - pocketing 29 million pounds of tax payers money! The 2014 Lobbying Act only covers in house lobbyists, not Peers or MPs! Ordered to pay the govt. back.

Owen Paterson Lobbying Scandal

Paterson had acted as a lobbyist for Randox and Lynn's foods, receiving 8000 a month for 16 hours work, without being registered. He resigned. Boris tried to change the rules retroactively to save him!