A pressure group is a group of like minded individuals who come together on the basis of shared interests or a commonly held cause in order to put pressure on policy-makers at Westminster and beyond.

Comparison against Parties

Pressure groups attempt to influence politicians/elections, whereas parties attempt to get elected.

Pressure groups do not seek to be elected, whereas parties do. This is the line between a pressure group and political party.

Pressure Groups vs Political Parties

Methods

Lobbying

Lobbying tries to gain ‘access’ and persuade politicians.

Example

1. UK gambling industry launches summer charm offensive to head off tax rise | Lobbying | The Guardian

Protest

Protests are to demonstrate support (and potentially) media attention.

Example

1. Together Alliance

Petitions

Petitions are formally recognised by the UK government and require the government to do two different things:

1. Respond at 10,000 signatures
2. Debate at 100,000 signatures

Example

Introduce a Central Microchip Portal to help reunite missing pets without delay - Petitions

Direct Action

Direct action seeks to disrupt businesses through some means of an action.

Example

Just Stop Oil: Protesters throw soup on Van Gogh paintings - BBC News - previously sponsored by Shell, annual portrait award previously sponsored by BP HS2 protesters spending coronavirus lockdown in trees - BBC News (StopHS2)

Sponsorships

Companies like BP sponsor various events/businesses to look more positively in the public eye. Direct action may target the company themselves or indirectly.

Consumer Boycotts

Todo

TODO.