Democracy and Participation - Corporations

Question 1

BP & Shell – Success or Failure?

Answer 1

Success. Oil giants have influenced UK energy policy for years. Maintained tax breaks and access to North Sea drilling despite environmental concerns. Influence challenged more recently by Net Zero targets.

Question 2

Google & Amazon – Success or Failure?

Answer 2

Mixed. Avoided major tax changes for years through lobbying and legal tax loopholes. However, growing public pressure has led to digital services tax (2020) and international reforms.

Question 3

Tesco & supermarkets – Success or Failure?

Answer 3

Success. Supermarkets lobbied effectively during COVID-19 for operational freedom and received business rate relief. Also influenced delay of junk food advertising bans.

Question 4

British Airways – Success or Failure?

Answer 4

Success. Strong corporate lobbying helped secure COVID-19 support (e.g. furlough scheme, travel corridor schemes). Also influenced delays in environmental aviation taxes.

Question 5

Dyson – Success or Failure?

Answer 5

Mixed. James Dyson supported Brexit and lobbied for pro-business policies. Criticised for moving HQ to Singapore in 2019 after Brexit, raising questions about corporate loyalty vs influence.

Question 6

Uber – Success or Failure?

Answer 6

Success. Uber gained strong access to ministers and delayed tougher regulation. “Uber Files” (2022 leaks) revealed corporate lobbying helped shape its early expansion strategy in the UK.

Question 7

BT/Openreach – Success or Failure?

Answer 7

Success. Regularly consulted on broadband and telecoms policy. Lobbied successfully for investment incentives and rollout plans for fibre-optic networks.

Question 8

Water companies – Success or Failure?

Answer 8

Success, but controversial. Corporations have influenced regulators and resisted tougher environmental rules. Public backlash in 2023–25 over sewage dumping has triggered calls for reform.