1.3- think tanks and lobbyists

Question 1

which think tank was influential under Margaret Thatcher? And what policy did they aid in?

Answer 1

• the Adam Smith Institute
• helped to formulate the tax-cutting policy

Question 2

what think tank was influencial under David Cameron? and what did they help implement?

Answer 2

• the center of social juctice
• helped implement universal credit

Question 3

What think tank helped to form Lizz Truss’ mini-budget?

Answer 3

• institute of economic affairs

Question 4

What are lobbyists?

Answer 4

members of professional organisations, paid by clients seeking access and influence over government

Question 5

What regulation has been introduced to limit the impacts of lobbying?

Answer 5

• in 2014 nicknamed “the lobbying act”
• lobbyists must register their activities
• 2000 PPERA: donations over £7500

Question 6

how many firms employ lobbyists? how many lobbyists are employed? and how much is spend on lobbying?

Answer 6

100 firms employ over 4000 people with a total of £2 billion spent a year

Question 7

What lobbying issue arose under Tony Blair?

Answer 7

• tony blair exempted Formula 1 from the ban on tobacco advertising
• this came after Bernie Ecclestone (the head of Formula 1) donated £1 million to labour
• Blair returned the money

Question 8

What is the event that highlighted the revolving door mechanism under David Cameron?

Answer 8

• David Cameron chief advisor was the owner of the firm Greensill Capital
• once David Cameron left office he joined the firm on a £1 million salary due to his connections in the government
• he was able to initiate meetings with Matt Hancock.

Question 9

who was the recent mp who offered himself for lobbying

Answer 9

scott benton- blackpool
- offered to lobby ministers on behalf of the gambling industry
- and leak confidential policy documents for £4000 a month