Assess The Role Of Pressure Groups In The Uk

Pressure groups are a group of individuals, who are usually independent from the government who are both experts in passionate about a subject. Pressure groups find themselves competing with rival pressure groups with the aim of gaining an advantage over them, but sometimes groups work together to achieve a common aim. They also try to influence public policy in the interest of a cause. The number of political parties in Britain is very small, whereas the number of pressure groups runs into thousands, as the membership of political parties has fallen, that of pressure groups has increased. The leaders of the group will stay in touch with the individuals whose rights they are campaign for to ensure that what they are fighting for is what the person wants.

If the public agrees with what the pressure group is providing the pressure group will have a lot of members. Pressure group and the public share their knowledge and experience and what they want things to be done next.

Technology is advancing and pressure are being heard more and more because they are using media to influence the government. They are creating websites and TV adverts to promote their cause and by sending stacks of public relations press releases briefly telling people how they could help. Pressure groups also have influence Parliament for example if there is an MP who is a member of the group. MPs who are connected to pressure groups must declare an interest when speaking on behalf of the group. MPs are unlikely to receive payment for promoting the cause unless they declare it. Insider groups may be involved in the decision-making process by being on committees with Ministers, MPs and civil servants, as well as writing advisory papers and sponsoring MPs. Pressure groups get celebrities on their side who agree with they are doing and endorse them