Other Influences on Government & Parliament (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Influences on government

• Alongside pressure groups, several other organisations influence government and Parliament

• These include:

  • think tanks

  • lobbyists

  • corporations

• Their influence varies depending on their resources, expertise, access to ministers and the transparency of their activities

Think tanks

• Think tanks are Independent research organisations that develop policy ideas, produce reports and analyse government policy

How do think tanks influence government and Parliament?

• Think tanks:

  • Publish research intended to shape debates or generate media coverage

  • Provide briefings, recommendations and ready-made policy proposals

  • Advise ministers and special advisers during policy development

  • Submit evidence to select committees

Example

• Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) influenced stricter regulation of technology firms included in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

Lobbyists

• Lobbyists are paid individuals or companies hired to influence government on behalf of clients such as businesses, charities or foreign governments

How do lobbyists influence government and Parliament

• Lobbyists:

  • Arrange meetings with ministers, MPs and civil servants

  • Provide targeted information and policy suggestions

  • Seek to shape the wording of legislation or regulations

  • Support All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) that align with clients’ interests

Example

• Between 2024 and 2025, Labour ministers met fossil fuel lobbyists more than 500 times, attending almost every meeting on the energy profits levy

Corporations

• Corporations are businesses that seek government decisions which support their commercial interests

How do corporations influence government and Parliament?

• Corporations:

  • Lobby ministers directly

  • Provide evidence to Parliamentary inquiries

  • Make donations to political parties or individuals

  • Fund research or campaigns that support their position

Example

• Greensill Capital employed former Prime Minister David Cameron to lobby for access to the Covid Corporate Financing Facility scheme