Evaluate the view that influence of think tanks, lobbyists and corporations in the UK is damaging to the democratic system.

Question 1

Introduction - Themes

Answer 1

• Think Tanks
• Lobbyists
• Corporations

Question 2

Introduction - Argument

Answer 2

They are damaging for democracy - they give more power to the unelected elite.

Question 3

Disagree - Think Tanks - Point

Answer 3

Think-tanks often carry out the work of policy research, a role traditionally carried out by the political parties, many think-tanks provide invaluable research to the government.

Question 4

Disagree - Think Tanks - Example

Answer 4

• The Legathum Institute provided research to minister and briefing to the European Research Group as they advocated a hard line Brexit
• The Jospeph Rowntree Foundation was the most cited think-tank in government policy from 2015 to 2021. They provide research on poverty and had a major success when the government adopted the ‘Levelling-Up’ campaign in 2019

Question 5

Agree - Think Tanks - Point

Answer 5

However, Think Tanks does not alway work in the favour of the masses - many work to advocate for their political cause.

Question 6

Agree - Think Tanks - Examples

Answer 6

• The Institute of Economic Affairs, a right-wing think tank, is said to have had massive influence over Liz Truss’s mini budget which caused public outcry and cost the UK £30bn.
• The government only tends to listen to think tanks if they support thier political direction - The Conservatives are unlikely to listen to the Fabian Society and the Institute for Public Policy

Question 7

Disagree - Lobbyists - Point

Answer 7

There are strict rules and laws in place to make sure that MPs are not being influenced by money or other means.

Question 8

Disagree - Lobbyists - Examples

Answer 8

• The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, headed by Lord Pickles, is a body specifically made to moniot the actions of lobbying companies
• MP Owen Patterson was forced to resign in November 2021 after it was found that he had approached the Department of International Development on behalf of Randox

Question 9

Agree - Lobbyists - Point

Answer 9

The argument that lobbying is corrupt and gives too much power to the elite and it is more often than not that lobbying companies use insiders, which have connections to influence government decisions.

Question 10

Agree - Lobbyists - Examples

Answer 10

• David Cameron lobbied on behalf of Greensill Capital - he texted Sunak and had drinks with Hancock. He was estimated to make £60m in shares if this companies was successful.
• Johnson set up an enquiry into this scandal - this was headed by Nigel Boardman who is a Conservative Party donor. Labour accused them of ‘making their own homework’

Question 11

Disagree - Corporation - Point

Answer 11

Corporations have big infuence as many play an important role in the national economy. This influence can sometimes be used to benefit the masses and follow the national trends.

Question 12

Disagree - Corporations - Examples

Answer 12

• Global warming and climate change has become an important political concern - in the UK, 30 of the FTSE100 companies have signed up to the United Nation’s Race to Zero campaign
• In November 2022, despite opposition, the decision was taken to raise Windfall Tax for Energy companies

Question 13

Agree - Corporations - Point

Answer 13

Large corporations are so big and influential, however, that they can easily resist proposed legislation that might hinder their operations.

Question 14

Agree - Corporation - Examples

Answer 14

• Amazon’s main division paid no corporation tax in 2021 despite £204m profits
• Coca Cola contemplated legal action against the UK government to stop Sugar Tax being imposed. This shows they were not working in the interest of the majority