Democracy and Participation - Pressure Groups

Question 1

Extinction Rebellion – Success or Failure?

Answer 1

Limited success. Raised public awareness of climate change through protests (e.g. 2019 London disruption), but little direct government policy change. Laws tightened on protest rights (2022 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act).

Question 2

Stop the War Coalition – Success or Failure?

Answer 2

Failure. Organised UK’s largest protest (Feb 2003, ~1 million people) against Iraq War, but Blair’s government went ahead with military intervention.

Question 3

Snowdrop Campaign – Success or Failure?

Answer 3

Success.
Formed after 1996 Dunblane massacre. Led to 1997 Firearms Act banning handguns. Gained strong public support and influenced Conservative and Labour governments.

Question 4

British Medical Association (BMA) – Success or Failure?

Answer 4

Mixed. Influential on public health issues (e.g. smoking ban in public places, 2007). Less successful in stopping government plans (e.g. junior doctor contract changes in 2015–16).

Question 5

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) – Success or Failure?

Answer 5

Success. Strong insider access; influenced post-Brexit agricultural policy and received subsidies. Regular consultation by DEFRA.

Question 6

Greenpeace – Success or Failure?

Answer 6

Limited. Effective at raising awareness (e.g. ocean plastic, oil drilling). Some campaign wins (e.g. supermarket plastic pledges), but limited policy influence due to outsider status.

Question 7

RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) – Success or Failure?

Answer 7

Success.
Insider group influencing environmental policy, particularly around habitat protection and bird conservation. Worked with government on biodiversity targets.

Question 8

Countryside Alliance – Success or Failure?

Answer 8

Failure.
Strongly opposed the 2004 Hunting Act banning fox hunting with dogs, but law passed despite large protests.