Parliamentary Law Making: Influences On Parliament – Political Pressure, Public Opinion, Pressure Groups, Media (Copy)
Political Pressure
- Definition
- Political pressure refers to the influence exerted on Parliament by political parties, government policies, and international political forces.
- It includes the impact of the government’s electoral mandate, party discipline, and lobbying within the political system.
- General Elections And Manifestos
- A government elected with a majority has a mandate to implement its manifesto promises.
- Example: The Conservative Government (2010–2016) introduced austerity policies and reforms to welfare and education based on manifesto commitments.
- Example: The Labour Government (1997) introduced the Human Rights Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000, fulfilling manifesto promises.
- Party Whips And Discipline
- MPs often follow the party line due to whips and political loyalty.
- This ensures government control of parliamentary law-making.
- Example: The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Bill (2019) revealed tensions as MPs rebelled, but ultimately party discipline enabled passage.
- International Political Pressure
- International bodies such as the United Nations, World Health Organisation, or NATO can indirectly shape UK laws.
- Example: Anti-terrorism legislation passed after 9/11 attacks (Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001) under international political pressure.
- Advantages
- Ensures democratic accountability.
- Promotes stability, as governments act on electoral promises.
- Disadvantages
- Party loyalty may override independent judgment of MPs.
- Minority views may be ignored under majority government rule.
Public Opinion
- Definition
- Public opinion refers to the collective views and attitudes of citizens, often measured by polls, petitions, or demonstrations.
- Parliament, as a representative body, is influenced by voters’ opinions.
- Examples Of Influence
- Dunblane Massacre (1996): strong public opinion led to tighter gun control laws (Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997).
- Environmental Concerns: public concern about climate change pushed Parliament to pass the Climate Change Act 2008.
- Brexit (2016 Referendum): overwhelming political and public pressure required Parliament to trigger withdrawal from the EU (Miller v Secretary of State 2017 confirmed Parliament must legislate).
- Advantages
- Reflects democratic values – law mirrors societal views.
- Encourages responsiveness to changing moral attitudes.
- Disadvantages
- Public opinion can be emotional and ill-informed (reactionary law-making).
- Risk of populism: passing laws for short-term popularity rather than long-term benefit.
- Example: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 rushed in response to media pressure; widely criticised as poorly drafted.
Pressure Groups
- Definition
- Organised groups seeking to influence law-making to promote their interests or causes.
- Can be Sectional Groups (representing specific interests, e.g., trade unions, Confederation of British Industry) or Cause Groups (campaigning for broader social objectives, e.g., Greenpeace, Liberty).
- Methods Of Influence
- Lobbying MPs and committees.
- Organising petitions and demonstrations.
- Using judicial review to challenge laws.
- Influencing public debate through research, reports, and campaigns.
- Examples Of Influence
- Stonewall Campaigns: influenced equal age of consent (Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000) and Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.
- RSPCA And Animal Welfare Groups: influenced ban on hunting with dogs (Hunting Act 2004).
- Liberty: human rights pressure group influencing debate around Terrorism Acts and surveillance powers.
- Advantages
- Bring expertise and specialist knowledge to Parliament (e.g., medical groups advising on health legislation).
- Represent minority interests often overlooked in electoral politics.
- Disadvantages
- Unequal influence: wealthy and powerful groups may dominate (e.g., business lobbies).
- Some pressure groups use disruptive or illegal tactics, undermining legitimacy (e.g., violent animal rights protests).
Media
- Definition
- Media includes newspapers, television, radio, and social media platforms influencing public awareness and opinion.
- Parliament is sensitive to how issues are presented by media because it shapes public debate.
- Role Of Media In Law-Making
- Agenda Setting: media highlights particular issues that Parliament cannot ignore.
- Public Pressure: widespread coverage creates strong political pressure to act.
- Investigative Journalism: exposes wrongdoing, prompting legislative reform.
- Examples Of Media Influence
- Sarah’s Law (2000s): News of the World campaign after the murder of Sarah Payne led to public access to information about sex offenders.
- Phone-Hacking Scandal (2011): media revelations led to Leveson Inquiry and reforms on press regulation.
- Extinction Rebellion Climate Protests (2019): extensive media coverage reinforced public demand for stronger environmental laws.
- Advantages
- Media can mobilise public opinion quickly, ensuring urgent issues are addressed.
- Investigative journalism acts as a watchdog, exposing government or corporate failures.
- Disadvantages
- Media pressure can lead to hasty, ill-considered legislation (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991).
- Media bias and sensationalism distort reality; tabloids may exaggerate risks.
- Politicians may act for headlines rather than principle.
Interaction Between Influences
- These influences often interact rather than act separately:
- Media amplifies public opinion, which in turn pressures Parliament.
- Pressure groups use media campaigns to reach wider audiences.
- Political parties respond to both media and public opinion to maintain popularity.
- Example: Brexit (2016–2020)
- Public referendum result, heavy media coverage, and pressure groups (Leave/Remain campaigns) combined to push Parliament towards withdrawal legislation despite internal divisions.
Evaluation
- Positive Aspects
- Enhances democracy by ensuring Parliament considers voices beyond MPs.
- Keeps Parliament accountable to people and society.
- Encourages expertise and debate in law-making.
- Negative Aspects
- Risks populism and reactionary legislation.
- Wealth and power can distort influence (e.g., business lobbying vs weaker citizen campaigns).
- Media bias undermines balanced debate.
- Overall
- Influences such as political pressure, public opinion, pressure groups, and media are essential checks on Parliament.
- However, they must be balanced with the need for effective, rational, and fair law-making.
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Law Full Scale Course