Politics plan Flashcards

Question

What was the turnout of Scottish independence?

Answer 1

Scottish Independence Referendum (2014) - 84.6% ~ The highest ever recorded in a UK-wide vote, demonstrating mass political engagement.

Answer 2

The result (52% Leave, 48% Remain) gave the government a direct mandate to proceed with Brexit

Answer 3

AV) Referendum (2011) - turnout ~ 42%.

Answer 4

- The Leave campaign's most infamous claim, displayed on the side of a red bus, suggested that after Brexit, the UK could redirect £350 million per week to the NHS -> which was misleading, The UK’s actual net contribution to the EU was significantly lower (around £250 million per week after the rebate). It ignored the fact that the UK received EU funding. - Prominent Brexiteers like David Davis and Liam Fox claimed that trade deals would be quickly arranged and that the UK had a strong negotiating position -> The UK’s post-Brexit trade negotiations were long and complex.

Answer 5

- A YouGov survey conducted in 2019 found that 9% of Leave voters said they regretted their vote, - A YouGov poll from 2021 found that 46% of the British public thought the UK was "economically worse off" since Brexit - Which leads to regret or voter dissatisfaction when consequences become clearer.

Answer 6

- Prime Minister Cameron and the Conservative Party were deeply divided over the issue of EU membership long before the referendum. Cameron himself was a pro-Remain advocate, however, there were many prominent figures within his party who were strong advocates for leaving, such as Boris Johnson.

Answer 7

- 2022 - the Scottish Government continued to press for a second referendum, with Nicola Sturgeon made a formal request for a second referendum, arguing that Brexit had changed the circumstances. - March 2017 - A petition on the UK government’s official website called for the repeal of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, The petition quickly gained traction, reaching over 6 million signatures, becoming one of the most signed petitions in UK history. Similar petitions have been made in 2018, 2019 etc

Answer 8

- In 2017, a referendum was held to approve a burqa ban in the canton of Ticino. The proposal sought to make it illegal for women to wear full-face veils in public spaces. - The referendum passed with a 65% majority - The burqa ban was heavily criticized as a form of cultural discrimination. The decision reflected how the majority’s preferences, particularly in matters of cultural identity, could infringe on the freedoms of a minority group.

Answer 9

2020: Begum, a British-born woman who left the UK to join ISIS, was stripped of her British citizenship. She challenged this decision, claiming it left her stateless. Begum argued that revoking her citizenship violated her right to a fair trial (Article 6) and her right to an effective remedy (Article 13).

Answer 10

In December 2021, the UK government published a consultation document on replacing the HRA with a “British Bill of Rights”. The proposal argued that the current framework gave too much influence to the ECtHR and undermined UK sovereignty. Johnson, the former Prime Minister, and Patel, the former Home Secretary - argue that the HRA gives too much power to judges and undermines parliamentary sovereignty

Answer 11

Liberty campaigned against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 -> arguing that it violated the right to protest Article 11 of the Human Rights Act 1998. The campaign helped raise awareness, and parts of the law faced judicial scrutiny.

Answer 12

The Good Law Project took the government to court, arguing that the government breached transparency laws and failed to ensure fair competition in contract allocation. The courts ruled that the government had acted unlawfully by failing to disclose contract details in a timely and transparent manner. This case highlighted the importance of government accountability and financial transparency.

Answer 13

- The Judicial Review and Courts Act 2022 - Prospective-Only Quashing Orders – Courts can issue rulings that only apply to future cases, meaning past decisions (even if unlawful) remain valid. This weakens the ability of claimants to challenge unlawful government actions effectively - which can affect the court's ability.

Answer 14

In June 2022, the UK government attempted to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda under a deal with the Rwandan government but the Court of Appeal in June 2023, found Rwanda unsafe for asylum seekers -the UK government introduced the Illegal Migration Act 2023 - This law was designed specifically to overcome the legal barriers that had previously stopped deportation flights.

Answer 15

- Public Order Act 2023 - limits protest rights. Police can now shut down protests preemptively if they suspect they may be too disruptive and in some situations can ban individuals from attending protests. This shows how the government may not effectively protect rights and can instead take action to erode them. - The Illegal Migration Act 2023 - mass detention and deportation powers, even if migrants have legitimate asylum claims - Undermines the right to asylum and increases risk of inhumane treatment (Article 3, HRA 1998).

Answer 16

Equality Act 2010 - illegal to discriminate against someone based on protected characteristics and strengthened workplace rights.

Answer 17

- The government proposed replacing the Human Rights Act 1998 with a British Bill of Rights, which would have weakened human rights protections (e.g., making it harder to challenge deportation orders) - Parliament resisted the proposal, and it was scrapped in June 2023

Answer 18

The Online Safety Act 2023 gave the government broad powers to monitor online content and force companies to scan private messages for illegal material - MPs and peers raised concerns about the impact on free speech and privacy, the government was forced to compromise.

Answer 19

The Liberal Democrats received 23% of the popular vote. This led to them forming a coalition government with the Conservative Party, which had won 36.1% of the vote.

Answer 20

> The coalition government favoured the conservatives, with Lib Dems having to make several significant policy concessions, often at the cost of alienating their voter base. >The Lib Dems had campaigned on a promise to abolish tuition fees and had even signed the NUS pledge not to raise them. However, once in government, they agreed to increase tuition fees to £9,000 per year, angering students and many supporters.After the 2010 coalition, the popularity of Lib Dems plummeted from 23% of voter share in 2010 to 12.6% in 2015, diminishing their parliamentary influence

Answer 21

> 2019 - Conservatives won 365 seats, Labour won 203 seats. 2024 - Labour won 412 seats, > Conservatives won 203. In 2019, the two main parties had 568 seats between them, reflecting the fact that the smaller parties have a very minimal effect in parliament. > In 2017, the two main parties won 82.4% of the votes showing how the main two parties dominate the voter share. The two main parties historically hold the most electoral success in Westminster. This is evident due to the fact that between 1945 and 2010 the government was comprised of either conservative or labour MPs.

Answer 22

-SNP popularity has waned and they only won 9 seats from the 2024 election, with Labour winning 26 seat - SNP only holds 43 seats in parliament, and due to the ‘English votes for English laws’ rule, SNP's parliamentary presence has diminished. Due to the nature of devolution, Westminster still holds a lot of power and influence over Scotland through things like deciding when they can have an independence referendum.

Answer 23

> 2019: Conservatives who won 42.4% of the votes and 318 seats, attaining a majority with less than 50% of the votes. In the 2019 general election, the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Brexit Party received 16% (5.2 million) of votes between them, yet they shared just 2% of seats

Answer 24

> Labour decided to stop using All-Women Shortlists (AWS) for selecting candidates for the 2024 General Election - the 2019 General Election saw a significant increase in the number of women standing for Labour. > Of the 201 candidates selected via AWS in 2019, 80 were elected to Parliament. 2024: 2024 General Election, the Labour Party - women are representing approximately 45% of its total parliamentary representation

Answer 25

> white, middle-class, male candidates - This means that approximately 59.5% of MPs are male, and 40.5% are female 2024, > In the 2024 House of Commons, 32% of MPs were educated at independent (private) schools, significantly higher than the 7% in the general UK population. Many MPs have benefitted from exclusive education and a privileged upbringing and later moved on to well-paid influential careers.

Answer 26

> YouGov 2024: For instance, 74% of Britons backed the creation of a publicly owned renewable energy provider, and 61% supported charging VAT on private school fees. Labour proposed establishing Great British Energy, this initiative would be funded by a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, contrasting sharply with the Conservatives' support for oil and gas licensing.

Answer 27

> Manifestos enable voters to consider a choice of policies and the vision for the party. By giving support to a party programme, electors give the government, if it wins power, a mandate to carry out these policies

Answer 28

> The pledge to lower the voting age to 16 faced opposition, with 60% of Britons against it and only 31% in favor. 2024 manifesto, Reform UK proposed freezing "non-essential" immigration and implementing stringent measures against illegal immigration. While these policies resonate with a portion of their supporters, they may not fully represent the views of all party voters, especially those who favor more moderate immigration reforms

Answer 29

support a leader’s ideology and policy platform, as leaders often rely on grassroots backing to push their agenda within the party. Leadership Elections: For example, in 2022, Conservative Party members voted for Liz Truss over Rishi Sunak, showing their support for her policies and leadership style.

Answer 30

Wealthy donors - influence. Hester (2024): Donation Amount: £5 million in January 2024, followed by an additional £150,000 in March 2024. Lord John Sainsbury (2023):Donation Amount: £10 million bequest received in late 2023.

Answer 31

Between 2023 and 2024, the Labour Party received approximately £7 million from trade unions.

Answer 32

2023–2024 financial year, the Labour Party received £2,059,577.87 in Short Money funding from the UK government,

Answer 33

Reform UK: £287,754.27.

Answer 34

In the 2023–2024 financial year, the UK House of Lords provided financial assistance, known as Cranborne Money, to support the parliamentary activities of opposition parties. Labour Party: £824,934

Answer 35

significant donors

Answer 36

In liberal democracies, financial contributions are seen as a way of participating in politics. By giving money, individuals or groups amplify their political voice, supporting the parties or candidates they believe in. Donations from different sources ensure a range of voices and interests are represented. A total ban might unintentionally silence minority or non-mainstream views that rely on wealthy patrons to compete with better-established parties.

Answer 37

“Get Brexit Done”

Answer 38

In the 2019 General Election, the BBC played a significant role=through its coverage of various scandals. For example, the “Dominic Cummings’ Barnard Castle Scandal”, where Boris Johnson’s Chief Adviser was accused of breaching lockdown rules by traveling to Durham during the COVID-19 pandemic, dominated media coverage.

Answer 39

Dominic Raab and Rishi Sunak on BBC News -> Raab was questioned about his stance on Brexit and the future of the Conservative Party. He appeared inconsistent in some of his answers, particularly regarding trade deals post-Brexit.

Answer 40

Social media algorithms often create "echo chambers" where users are exposed primarily to content that aligns with their existing beliefs. This can lead to voters being disproportionately influenced by media content that aligns with their views, rather than a balanced presentation of political issues.

Answer 41

> . The Conservative Party became deeply divided over the issue of Brexit. The party was split between hard Brexiteers (such as Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg) and pro-Remain or soft-Brexit members (such as Theresa May and some of her allies).

Answer 42

.This made it difficult to pass and agree upon brexit related legislation. May’s Chequers Plan—a proposed agreement for the future UK-EU relationship—was heavily criticized by Brexiteers, leading to her losing the support of key figures within her party. Led to widespread media portrayal of May as a leader unable to manage her party or the country’s Brexit process.

Answer 43

- The Green Party has long faced challenges related to funding, particularly in comparison to the major parties like the Conservative Party and Labour Party. Despite the party’s growing prominence on issues such as climate change, the Green Party’s limited funding made it difficult to reach a wide enough audience.

Answer 44

In the 2024 UK general election, the Green Party of England and Wales received a total of £953,823.53 in donations. For example, the Labour Party received £40,930,788.25 in donations, and the Conservative Party received £30,638,465.60 during the same period.

Answer 45

Sultana, along with six other Labour MPs, was suspended for six months for defying the party's position. In July 2024 after voting in favor for an amendment to abolish the two-child benefit cap.

Answer 46

> Internal Labour analysis indicates that in nearly 200 constituencies, the number of PIP recipients exceeds sitting MPs' majorities, placing them in electoral jeopardy, especially in northern "red wall" seats. A significant internal challenge has arisen over proposed cuts to disability benefits, notably Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Answer 47

> The scandal damaged the credibility of Johnson’s government, leading to a decline in public trust. The revelations sparked widespread public anger and led to a number of Conservative MPs calling for Johnson's resignation. It also contributed to the Conservatives’ loss of several by-elections, notably the Chesham and Amersham by-election in June 2021.

Answer 48

2015: The decision to increase university tuition fees, despite a prior pledge to abolish them, led to a significant backlash from grassroots members and voters. Many in the party felt that the leadership, under Nick Clegg, had compromised the party's values for the sake of political power

Answer 49

> Jeremy Corbyn was marked by significant internal divisions within the Labour Party, especially over issues like Brexit, the party’s stance on public ownership, and the handling of anti-Semitism allegations -> Corbyn often alienated parts of the electorate, These internal disputes weakened Labour’s position in the 2019 General Election, where the party faced heavy losses.

Answer 50

Ultimately, the pressure from within the Conservative Party led to a vote of no confidence in Johnson in 2022. His resignation as leader marked the culmination of the internal disputes, leaving the party in a period of uncertainty and leadership vacuum that affected their performance in the following 2023 local elections and national polls.

Answer 51

> Starmer, who condemned the violence from both sides, faced criticism for his perceived lack of strong condemnation - this led to loss of support from Uk muslim community, which traditionally supported them .This leds to party alienating important groups

Answer 52

P-> Age has been a key determinant of voting has been increasing in importance recently. E: 2024: Younger Voters (18–24): Predominantly supported the Labour Party, with 41% of this age group casting their votes for Labour, while only 8% favored the Conservative Party. 2019 - 56% - labour, 21% conservative. 2024: Older Voters (65+): Showed a strong preference for the Conservatives, with 42% supporting them compared to 22% for Labour. 2019 - 57% - conservative, 22% - labour A: Most often as we get older our views remain with the time we were raised in because of this most often conservatives target older demographics due to their ideologies in tradition etc. therefore it can be argued that it will always have an impact. Young voters usually support left wings and progressive parties. C: age might not be that important, and short-term factors such as leadership may have more of an impact. People supported labour despite their age because they were tired and distrustful of the current conservative government, and resonated with labour’s campaign for change. 2024: Voters expressed frustration over increasing taxes coupled with declining public services. Many felt the country was "broken," with economic policies failing to address their everyday challenges. There was a growing perception that large corporations were capitalizing on the cost-of-living crisis, exacerbating feelings of economic injustice. Figures like Nigel Farage resonated with certain voter demographics, especially those feeling alienated by mainstream politics.

Answer 53

P: Gender: Female Voters: 35% supported Labour, while 26% voted Conservative. 2019 - 31% - labour, 46% - conservative Male Voters: 34% backed Labour, with 23% choosing the Conservatives. 2019 - 35% - labour, 44% - conservative. Young Men (18–24): 9% voted for Reform UK -> This trend reflects a broader shift observed in Western democracies, where young men are gravitating towards right-wing populist parties. Factors such as dissatisfaction with mainstream politics, economic challenges, and a search for community contribute to this phenomenon -> perhaps aligning with wider fears surrounding incels. Women usually conventionally support left wing policies with men supporting more right wing parties, however in 2024 the number of men and women supporting the labour party and conservative party are very similar showing perhaps gender is no longer important or influential on voting. C: Media: 4 June 2024: This debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer attracted 5.37 million viewers, making it the most-watched program of that week."Question Time" holds an 87% fame rating and a 42% popularity rating among the UK public, reflecting its significant influence. Nigel Farage's active and unfiltered presence on social media platforms resonated with younger demographics, particularly disillusioned young men. His candid approach attracted individuals seeking authenticity, contributing to Reform UK's surge in popularity. Labour invested over £2.4 million in social media ads since the campaign's commencement vs The Conservatives spent £906,916 on social media advertising during the same period.

Answer 54

P: Ethnic minorities usually support left wing parties -> Left-wing parties, like the UK Labour Party or the US Democrats, have historically championed civil rights, anti-racism laws, and policies promoting social justice. Left-wing parties are typically more inclusive of different cultures and identities. 2024: All Ethnic Minority Voters:Labour: 46%, Conservative: 17%, Reform UK: 3% White Voters: Labour: 33%, Conservative: 26%, Reform UK: 16% C: Party stances and changes and the party leader themselves may have a greater impact. In November 2023, eight Labour MPs, including three British Muslims—Afzal Khan, Yasmin Qureshi, and Naz Shah—resigned from their frontbench positions in protest of the leadership's position on Gaza. A Survation poll in February 2024 showed Labour's support among Muslim voters had declined by 26 points to 80%. IPSOS: 46% of the public considered Starmer the more capable Prime Minister compared to 22% for Sunak. June 2024, YouGov reported that Sunak's net favourability rating had dropped to -56, with only 19% of Britons viewing him favourably and 75% unfavourably. The prime minister's personality and agenda can deeply influence

Answer 55

Paragraph 1) Age has replaced class in now becoming the most important determinant of voting behaviour - Age is undoubtedly the more reliable indicator of how people will vote in UK elections. Class has become less important as a determinant of how people will vote however. In 2024, there was almost no difference between classes. Younger Voters (18–24): Predominantly supported the Labour Party, with 41% of this age group casting their votes for Labour, while only 8% favored the Conservative Party. -> As people age, they are more likely to be at the top of their earnings, so they are more likely to favour traditional Conservative policies such as lower taxation on higher earners. Traditionally, younger voters support parties that promote social change and older voters traditionally support parties that favour tradition. The YouGov polling below shows this perfectly with the percentage of people voting Conservative increasing with each age bracket, culminating with 46% of voters aligning with the Conservative Party at the 2024 general election. The reverse is true for Labour with their proportion of the vote declining as people get older. In 2024, 45% of 25–29-year-olds voted Labour whereas just 20% of those aged 70+ voted for the party. if only those aged 65 or over had been allowed to vote in the 2024 elections, the only Labour seats would have been in parts of London and other towns in the Midlands and the northwest of England Counter 1) One of the most significant voting trends of recent years has been in education levels. Education levels can influence what ideological views people support. Generally, Less educated people will support parties with characteristically ‘right’ ideological views, and more educated people support parties with ‘left ideological views. The higher the educational qualifications of the voter, the more likely they are to vote Labour or Liberal Democrat, with 60% of those educated to degree level or higher voting for one of those two parties in 2019, compared with only 29% voting Conservative. In 2024, 42% of those with higher education (degree and higher) voted Labour and 18% Conservative, and 28% of those with GCSE or lower voted Labour, and 31% conservatives. However, again perhaps this is linked to age again Given that so many more people have begun attending university since the mid 90s, it is perhaps to be expected that the qualifications held by young people are generally higher than those of people in the older age brackets. It would suggest age is a key factor in determining how people vote.

Answer 56

Paragraph 2) age and gender -> gender on its own had little difference in the 2024 election. Labour Party: Supported by 35% of women and 34% of men. Conservative Party: Received 26% support from women and 23% from men shows that gender has very little influence on how people voted in 2024. The modern gender gap is a result of underlying generational differences culminating together -> showing again that the most important factor is age. Young Women (18–24): 45% voted for Labour, and only 5% for the Conservatives. Young Men (18–24): 36% supported Labour, with 4% favoring the Conservatives. Older men (65+) 21% supported labour, 41% conservatives Older women (65+) 23% supported labour, 42% conservatives. Approximately the same proportion of men and women in each age bracket vote for Labour or the Conservatives (showing age itself has little effect) however the overall proportion voting Labour decreasing as voters get older. Therefore, the clearest indication of an individuals voting intention remains their age rather then their gender. Counter 2) Men were far more likely to vote for the Reform Party then women were. This tendency for men to vote for more far right parties was a trend that has been seen throughout recent elections in Europe and the 2024 UK election was not exempt from this. In fact, whilst 12% of young men voted for Reform, just 6% of women did. Compare this to the 23% of young women who voted for the Green Party compared to just 12% of men, and it appears that an interesting trend in which young men and women appear to be diverging towards different ends of the political spectrum is taking place. In the You gov issue tracker before 2024 election: Across most age brackets, women consistently ranked the NHS, education, and social care as more important than men. British Social Attitudes data -> the emergence of a ‘modern’ gender gap in Britain. Women have historically been more likely to support parties of the right than men, due to their greater religiosity are now more likely to vote Labour or Liberal Democrat.

Answer 57

Paragraph 3) . In the 2024 election, the idea that geography might become a new determinant in how people voted was dispelled. The Conservatives not only lost the seats that they had gained in the Red Wall, but they also made significant losses in the so-called ‘blue wall’ in the south England, predominantly to the Liberal Democrats. This shows that geographical voting behaviour is not a reliable indicator of voting behaviour as relies on short-term, cultural issues of the time. geography bears little impact on how people vote and is instead more linked to other national trends. For example, the losses made by the Conservative Party in the north of England were far more determined by older voters abandoning the party for Reform and the professional classes abandoning them for the Liberal Democrats in the South. Counter 3) The concept of the "Sea Wall" emerged, referring to 108 coastal constituencies characterized by economic deprivation and unique local issues. These areas became pivotal battlegrounds, with specific policies targetting tourism-dependent economies, cost-of-living challenges, and poor connectivity. Labour's targeted efforts led to breakthroughs in regions like Cornwall, Dorset, and Kent, areas traditionally dominated by Conservatives. The Tories broke through the so-called “Red Wall”—a band of traditionally Labour-voting constituencies in the North of England, Midlands, and North Wales. Those places wanted ‘brexit done’ which was Johnsons campaign focus and they faced the most effects of immigration.

Answer 58

Paragraph 1) Leadership qualities -> Leadership qualities like integrity, experience, and the ability to communicate clearly help build that credibility with the public and make them more inclined to support the candidate. Tony blair’s landslide victory was in part contributed to by his leadership and image as a Modern, media-savvy, articulate, and "fresh" leader with a clear break from traditional Labour. Furthermore, Leaders like Borris Johnson who was charismatic and able to enthuse many voters -> he has a humorous, populist image that appealed to both traditional Tory voters and parts of Labour’s "Red Wall." He was also a great orator, which allowed people to have confidence in him as a leader. Starmer is often recognised for his competence, honesty, and being in touch with ordinary people. Ipsos polling highlights that the public perceives him as more experienced and understanding of Britain's problems compared to his predecessors -> this makes him more likeable to the public, and they will vote for him because he is perceived as understanding the issues of the country. Trust in Sunak diminished significantly. At the beginning of his tenure, 50% of Britons trusted him to manage the economy effectively. This figure dropped to 31% as the campaign unfolded -> also effects his success. Contrast) Campaigns will only work when people are interested in knowing the other options and ideological views. Many voters have strong, stable loyalties that are resistant to campaigns. 2019 - only about 40% of voters identified as strong supporters of any one party, when including all levels of party identification (strong + weak), about 60–65% of voters still expressed some loyalty to a party. For instance, an Ipsos poll from June 2024 indicated that 64% of voters chose the party that best represented their ideological views -> This means no matter how good a right representative’s leadership qualities, if a voter ideologically views a left, they will not voter for charismatic candidate that does represent their views. Furthermore, Approximately 30% of voters indicated they would vote tactically to prevent a disliked party or candidate from winning -> therefore this shows that charismatic candidates may not get votes, because people will vote for a different party to ensure the candidate they don’t want to go in is unsuccessful.

Answer 59

Paragraph 2) A leader with authority and a clear vision can unite their party and set a focused campaign strategy. This can make both parties and the candidate seem a better option as a more united party can make a united stance and campaign, which provides the public with confidence that their manifesto aims will be achieved. Some argue that Badenoch has prioritised culture war issues, especially around gender identity, over traditional policy matters -> Badenoch's leadership style has been described as combative and polarising, leading to tensions within the Conservative Party. Her approach has been criticised for alienating moderate members and failing to unite the party. Corbyn’s leadership was grounded in far-left policies, including nationalisation of industries, free public services, and radical wealth redistribution -> The rise of the "Blairite" faction, named after Tony Blair, exemplified the divide. Many Blairites, including senior Labour figures, openly criticised Corbyn’s approach as alienating middle-ground voters. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, also demonstrated charismatic leadership that revitalized his party -> He centered the party's platform on health and care, resonating with voters concerned about these issues. A unified party can present a clear, consistent message to the electorate. Voters are more likely to support a party when its platform is coherent and the ideological view of all members are clear. A united party is better able to appeal to a broader base of voters. Divisions within a party can cause factions to pull in different directions, alienating potential voters. Counter 2) Voting behaviour trends also influences success short term factors like age, education also have an affect: Younger Voters (18–24): Predominantly supported the Labour Party, with 41% of this age group casting their votes for Labour, while only 8% favored the Conservative Party. 2019 - 56% - labour, 21% conservative, Older Voters (65+): Showed a strong preference for the Conservatives, with 42% supporting them compared to 22% for Labour. 2019 - 57% - conservative, 22% - labour -> 2024 and 2019 - largely following voting behaviour expectations. Young Men (18–24): 9% voted for Reform UK - This trend reflects a broader shift observed in Western democracies, where young men are gravitating towards right-wing populist parties. Factors such as dissatisfaction with mainstream politics, economic challenges, and a search for community contribute to this phenomenon. When voting behaviour trends are followed, even if they are charismatic leader they might not be selected -> for examples, Labour would find it difficult to gain votes form the 9% of men that support reform even despite their charisma

Answer 60

Paragraph 3) Media depiction of party leaders can affect support. The media has a powerful ability to influence the framing of key political issues, which ultimately guides how voters understand and interpret policies -> Mainstream media outlets extensively reported on a series of scandals involving the Conservative Party. Allegations emerged that individuals close to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and certain Conservative candidates had placed bets on the timing of the election, prompting a police investigation -> This makes Rishi look a poor leader unable to control and enforce rules within his party, affecting his image and portrayal of leadership. The media reported that In November 2023, eight Labour MPs, including three British Muslims—Afzal Khan, Yasmin Qureshi, and Naz Shah—resigned from their frontbench positions in protest of the leadership's position on Gaza. This emphasised the Labour party's position on the issues of Gaza and led to more discussion -> A Survation poll in February 2024 showed Labour's support among Muslim voters had declined by 26 points to 80%. The media can magnify issues with parties and affect their image -> Starmar appeared weak and not taking decisive action, which led to muslim voters, often a strong backer of Labour to be affected. Counter 3) Despite the charisma of a leader sometimes manifesto promises or policy can alienate voters, thus affecting their success. Labour's proposal to increase VAT on private school fees to fund the recruitment of 6,500 new teachers and the introduction of free breakfast clubs in primary schools with 61% of Britons supporting the private school fee tax. The Conservative manifesto proposed deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, a policy that faced significant backlash. A YouGov poll indicated that 52% of the public opposed the plan, with only 39% in support. The Conservative manifesto proposed reintroducing a form of National Service, requiring young people (likely aged 18-21) to undertake some form of national service for a year, either in the armed forces or community-focused roles -> massive amounts of ridicule from young voters on social media.

Answer 61

New Bilton and Overslade Division: Reform UK gain

Answer 62

Councillors total - 677

Answer 63

P) Think Tanks have an impact on government decisions because they often have specialists fields and can provide valuable research that influences the government’s policy decisions. Some think tanks are non-partisan, which can provide valuable suggestions without partisan biases: The Institute of Fiscal Studies is one example and is heavily influential. In its analysis of the October 2024 Budget, the IFS highlighted concerns about the government's fiscal strategy, particularly regarding the freezing of income tax thresholds. The IFS warned that this approach would lead to "fiscal drag," pushing more individuals into higher tax brackets and increasing the tax burden on households. Cross-party think tanks can be influential as it’s work transcends party politics and allows people to work together for positive change -> The Social Market Foundation - cross-party: Their work on “levelling up” and regional inequality has shaped both Conservative and Labour discourse on regional economic development. C) If a think tank’s recommendations don’t align with the government’s ideology or goals, they’re likely to be ignored -> Politicians are more likely to take advice from think tanks that share their party’s values. For example, the Institute for Economic Affairs often influences Conservative Party policy, while IPPR might influence Labour. Although the IPPR may have good policy, the conservatives are less likely to be receptive. Critics argue that think tanks push policies and evidence that favour and evidence that favour the powerful corporate interests that fund them -> Channel 4's undercover investigation in 2018 exposed how the IEA allegedly offered access to ministers in exchange for donations. Think tanks may not always be correct and misinform policy decisions -> civitas wrote a pamplet explaining the £4.5 T cost for net zero which turned out to be very wrong

Answer 64

P) Lobbyists have an impact on the government - Lobbyists often have established relationships with government officials, usually well-connected. Lobbyists often come with specialised knowledge and technical expertise about complex industries. The 2023 conservative business day lobbyists have paid £3K to sit with ministers. Recent lobbying -> 2024, the private equity industry successfully lobbied the Labour government to moderate proposed tax increases on carried interest. Initially, Labour aimed to raise the tax rate from 28% to 45%, but other stakeholders, the increase was scaled back to 32%. The National Farmers Union (NFU) lobbying engages with the government to discuss agricultural policies, ensuring that farmers' needs and challenges are considered, thereby facilitating a dialogue that helps shape effective agricultural policies. C) Lobbying is not always sucessful even if you are influential -> In 2021, former Prime Minister David Cameron faced criticism for lobbying the government on behalf of Greensill Capital, a supply chain finance firm. Despite his efforts, the company was not included in the COVID Corporate Financing Facility. Tech giants like Facebook (now Meta), Google, and Amazon have lobbied against the imposition of strict data privacy laws in the UK -> Despite significant lobbying from major tech firms, the UK government has maintained its stance on tightening data protection regulations. Lobbying will ultimately fail if the issue is not one that is supported by government, despite the influence and power of lobbying.

Answer 65

P) pressure groups are influential as can take group action and push governments towards action ->BMA: In 2023–24, its lobbying and strike action over junior doctors' pay pushed NHS reform and pay negotiations onto the government’s agenda. Liberty - opposition to the Public Order Act 2023 - Liberty argued the Act was “an attack on the right to protest” and amounted to authoritarian overreach -> In May 2024, the High Court ruled that the government acted unlawfully. Pressure groups can ensure all rights are considered and protected by governments. Pressure groups can also be a sources of education -> Advocated for stronger protections for LGBTQ+ students and inclusive education.In 2023, Ofsted revised its approach to evaluating LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools, and the DfE consulted Stonewall on draft guidance regarding gender identity in education. C) Sucess depends on insider and outsider status - Just stop oil climbed gantries at multiple locations on the M25 causing widespread disruption during peak travelling times -> unsuccessful as doesn’t align with the spirit of government. However, insider groups can be also be unsuccessful. BMA has widespread support yet lost their 2014- 2016 battle with goverment over contracts for junior doctors -> sometimes public support isn’t enough the issue must align with government’s agenda. Shelter pushed for an end to no-fault evictions (Section 21) in England -> Despite widespread support, intense lobbying from landlord associations and MPs with landlord interests led to repeated delays. Conflicting interest can also lessen their impact.

Answer 66

Paragraph 1) It remains the major parties that dominate Parliament and thus the government. Minor parties may get a raised profile, but do not often get enough votes to have a considerable influence. In the 2019 UK general election, the Conservative Party won 365 seats. That gave them an overall majority of 80 seats in the House of Commons. In the 2024 UK general election, the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, won 411 seats, securing a substantial majority in the House of Commons. This marked a significant gain of 209 seats compared to their 2019 performance. Reform party: Seats won: 5, Vote share: 14.3% (approximately 4.1 million votes) -> small influence of smaller parties in parliament cannot really put a lot of pressure on the government due to the massive majority. In 2017, the two main parties won 82.4% of the votes, showing how the two main parties dominate the voter share. The two main parties historically hold the most electoral success in Westminster. Counter 1) Governing parties are having to call on other parties to help them as The government don’t have a large majority. The UK had a coalition government from 2010 to 2015, between the Conservative Party (led by David Cameron) and the Liberal Democrats (led by Nick Clegg) - The Liberal Democrats received 23% of the popular vote. The Conservatives won the most seats (306) but were 20 seats short of a majority. This shows that the dominance of the 2 main parties is dwindling and the support of smaller parties is growing. Lib dems received many policy benefits and political recognition as a result: Raising the income tax personal allowance — this was a key Lib Dem pledge (was made possible).Theresa May called a snap election, hoping to strengthen her position for Brexit negotiations — but instead, the Conservatives lost seats, ending up with 318 seats, short of the 326 needed for a majority. To stay in power, the Conservatives made a "confidence and supply" agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland, which had 10 seats. This led to DUP receiving £1 billion in extra funding for Northern Ireland and assurances that Brexit arrangements would respect Northern Ireland’s place in the UK.

Answer 67

Paragraph 2) The funding, wealth and organisation of these parties cannot be matched by other parties. 2024 - Labour - 309,000, Conservative - 131,680, Liberal Democrats - 90,000 - smaller parties have fewer members - fewer membership fees. 2023 - Conservative - £30.6 million, Labour - £40.9 million, Liberal Dem - £10.5 million. The larger parties will gain more funding and support due to their substantially higher membership numbers. These figures also provide an insight into how the two main parties dominate the political system. Right-wing parties often gain more funding, as conventionally they are supported by big business, as they often support policies like low taxation and government intervention in the economy. Funding is often based on electoral success and the likelihood of success, smaller parties have fewer seats in parliament, therefore less successful. Counter 2) There has been a focus away from the mainstream, with people joining other parties. Rise in membership of smaller parties - Reform UK's membership surged by approximately 260%, increasing from 65,000 in July 2024 to over 220,000 by March 2025. In the 2024 general election, the Lib Dems achieved a record result, electing 72 Members of Parliament (MPs), making them the third-largest party in the House of Commons -> showing how smaller parties are becoming more influential. any voters have become disillusioned with the major political parties, such as the Conservatives and Labour, particularly after events like Brexit, the financial crisis, and the austerity measures. Smaller parties are often seen as offering a fresh alternative. Many smaller parties, particularly the Liberal Democrats and Greens, have built strong grassroots networks, allowing them to directly connect with voters and campaign on issues that resonate with specific communities.

Answer 68

Paragraph 3) FPTP will always favour the major parties and secure their dominance, especially due to the prevelance of safe seats, that ensure they win -> Wokingham (England): This seat has been held by the Conservative Party for several decades, with very large majorities. In the 2019 general election, it was won with a majority of over 50% of the vote. FPTP will always favour the major parties - Smaller parties often have to focus on marginal seats where they stand a better chance of winning. In FPTP, the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins the seat, regardless of whether they have a majority of the votes (over 50%) or just more votes than any other candidate. FPTP tends to encourage a two-party system - Voters may feel that voting for smaller parties is "wasting" their vote because the major parties are more likely to win. Counter 3) Ideas from the minor parties shape the political agenda -> The two parties have struggled to deal with many of the issues that smaller parties have raised. UKIP – Brexit - UKIP’s rise put significant pressure on the Conservative Party to take a harder line on Europe - push Prime Minister David Cameron to promise a referendum on the UK’s EU membership, Greens -the environment - both main parties began to adopt environment policies as they began to see it was an important topic for many people. - spurred increased public awareness of environmental issues, particularly among younger voters -> notable impact on political debate, particularly around the idea of transforming the economy into a more sustainable and green economy.

Answer 69

Paragraph 1) The media’s power is more expansive and reaches further than pressure groups. The media has a far larger audience than pressure groups. The media can exert more influence on the government in terms of numbers and consistency. In 2020, Rashford wrote an open letter with 2.7 million followers asking the PM for free-school meals = PM to a U-turn on policy. This shows how of media has the power to exert massive amounts of influence on governments. 2022 - After Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's "mini-budget" caused financial chaos, the media heavily criticised the government's handling of the economy and this led to the plummeting public and MP confidence, forcing Truss to resign after just 49 days. During the May 2024 local elections, media coverage, particularly around issues like the cost of living crisis and NHS backlogs, massively shaped voter sentiment and also emphasised Sunak’s weakness when MP’s bet on the date of the election in 2024 Counter 1) Many pressure groups have insider status, which gives them close contact with the government and thus influence over the government -> huge position of leverage with the government and may lead to more actual change rather than merely raising awareness - more direct, specific influence. BMA, representing junior doctors and consultants, coordinated strikes throughout 2023 and 2024 -> In early 2025, the government agreed a new multi-year pay deal partly shaped by BMA demands (after months of insider negotiation). Energy UK -> Influenced the government’s 2025 Energy Strategy, which included new investment incentives for North Sea oil and gas extraction alongside green initiatives. They can also contribute to government reports, providing a direct, policy impact -> Environmental groups, especially RSPB, submitted expert advice during the review of the Environmental Improvement Plan -> leading to more of a focus on biodiversity. Media can raise issues but not make it a government focus.

Answer 70

Paragraph 2) Pressure groups' profile rises and fall. Hence, their influence is not constant, whereas the media have a regular part in influencing the government. Governments are more influenced by the media, which provide regular scrutiny on government action, whereas pressure groups scrutinise in their specialities. CBI - For years, the CBI was the leading business voice in the UK, and it had high insider status. In early 2023, multiple scandals hit the CBI, including serious allegations of sexual misconduct inside the organisation. In early 2023, multiple scandals hit the CBI, including serious allegations of sexual misconduct inside the organisation, diminishing their influence overnight. Extinction Rebellion rose rapidly in 2019 during climate crisis protests. As people became frustrated with disruptive tactics by 2022–2023, their profile fell. Depends on the importance of the issue which leads to pressure groups being more impactful. Whereas, the media can continuously report on the government and place pressure on them. Counter 2) Pressure groups have expertise and skills which many governments require. A considerable amount of new legislation is viewed and often approved by pressure groups before it comes to parliament. The NFU submitted detailed evidence on farming outputs, import dependency, and supply chain vulnerabilities -> where directly quotes in the governments report, significant as the governments are not specialists in the subject. 2020 - During the passage of the Agriculture Bill, the NFU was consulted on a range of issues, particularly regarding subsidy structures and the future of farming post-Brexit.The NFU played a key role in shaping the final form of the bill, especially in areas such as food security and sustainable farming practices.

Answer 71

For example, with Brexit: Daily Mail -> Headline: "We will take back control!" - portrayed it as a triumph for British sovereignty, whereas Guardian -> Headline: "A hard Brexit threatens jobs and rights" - generally more critical of Brexit, highlighting the risks to the economy, workers’ rights, and the loss of influence in Europe.

Answer 72

The re-inforcement theory means that people only read views that support theirs especially with social media creating echo chambers in their feeds

Answer 73

52% of adults use social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for news, up from 47% in 2023. 71% of UK adults now access news online, slightly surpassing the 70% who use television for news.

Answer 74

> Representation of the People Act 1983, broadcasters must ensure that during an election period, all political parties are treated fairly. This includes equal access to broadcasting time for campaigning, especially during party political broadcasts. Political parties are allowed free airtime for party political broadcasts, but paid advertisements are not permitted.

Answer 75

2024 - FactCheck by BBC Verify: A dedicated team working to separate fact from misinformation, crucial during a period marked by a disinformation challenge.

Answer 76

Labour Party: Dominated social media spending with over £2.4 million, Spent £906,916, primarily on Meta platforms. Their campaign focused on a centralized approach through the main party's Facebook page, targeting an older demographic, particularly men over 45.In the 30 days leading up to July 4, their TikTok account saw a 43% growth in followers and doubled the number of likes across all uploads.

Answer 77

YouGov poll conducted during the 2024 UK general election revealed that 62% of respondents said they were influenced by how party leaders were portrayed in the media, with 42% stating that media coverage directly influenced their views of party leaders.

Answer 78

Paragraph 1) The media’s power is more expansive and reaches further than pressure groups. The media has a far larger audience than pressure groups. The media can exert more influence on the government in terms of numbers and consistency. In 2020, Rashford wrote an open letter with 2.7 million followers asking the PM for free-school meals = PM to a U-turn on policy. This shows how of media has the power to exert massive amounts of influence on governments. 2022 - After Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's "mini-budget" caused financial chaos, the media heavily criticised the government's handling of the economy and this led to the plummeting public and MP confidence, forcing Truss to resign after just 49 days. During the May 2024 local elections, media coverage, particularly around issues like the cost of living crisis and NHS backlogs, massively shaped voter sentiment and also emphasised Sunak’s weakness when MP’s bet on the date of the election in 2024 Counter 1) Many pressure groups have insider status, which gives them close contact with the government and thus influence over the government -> huge position of leverage with the government and may lead to more actual change rather than merely raising awareness - more direct, specific influence. BMA, representing junior doctors and consultants, coordinated strikes throughout 2023 and 2024 -> In early 2025, the government agreed a new multi-year pay deal partly shaped by BMA demands (after months of insider negotiation). Energy UK -> Influenced the government’s 2025 Energy Strategy, which included new investment incentives for North Sea oil and gas extraction alongside green initiatives. They can also contribute to government reports, providing a direct, policy impact -> Environmental groups, especially RSPB, submitted expert advice during the review of the Environmental Improvement Plan -> leading to more of a focus on biodiversity. Media can raise issues but not make it a government focus.

Answer 79

Paragraph 2) Pressure groups' profile rises and fall. Hence, their influence is not constant, whereas the media have a regular part in influencing the government. Governments are more influenced by the media, which provide regular scrutiny on government action, whereas pressure groups scrutinise in their specialities. CBI - For years, the CBI was the leading business voice in the UK, and it had high insider status. In early 2023, multiple scandals hit the CBI, including serious allegations of sexual misconduct inside the organisation. In early 2023, multiple scandals hit the CBI, including serious allegations of sexual misconduct inside the organisation, diminishing their influence overnight. Extinction Rebellion rose rapidly in 2019 during climate crisis protests. As people became frustrated with disruptive tactics by 2022–2023, their profile fell. Depends on the importance of the issue which leads to pressure groups being more impactful. Whereas, the media can continuously report on the government and place pressure on them. Counter 2) Pressure groups have expertise and skills which many governments require. A considerable amount of new legislation is viewed and often approved by pressure groups before it comes to parliament. The NFU submitted detailed evidence on farming outputs, import dependency, and supply chain vulnerabilities -> where directly quotes in the governments report, significant as the governments are not specialists in the subject. 2020 - During the passage of the Agriculture Bill, the NFU was consulted on a range of issues, particularly regarding subsidy structures and the future of farming post-Brexit.The NFU played a key role in shaping the final form of the bill, especially in areas such as food security and sustainable farming practices.

Answer 80

Paragraph 3) Governments can be severely limited by the media and public opinion. The government’s PMs and Ministers all have to put their case forward in the media. The media quickly turned the Partygate story into a major scandal, with daily coverage and high-profile investigations by newspapers like the Daily Telegraph and BBC News -> Boris Johnson was forced to apologize, and the media storm led to a public inquiry. Eventually, the scandal contributed to his resignation as prime minister in 2022, showing the power of media coverage. After Liz Truss announced her "mini-budget" in September 2022, media sources criticised the plan as increasing debt and worsening inflation - Truss was forced to reverse the proposed tax cuts and reshuffle her economic team just weeks into her premiership. Counter 3) Pressure groups are familiar with a range of political parties that go on to form governments. They are also familiar with lobbying government ministers. Links between the Trade Unions and Labour are well known – as are the links with the Conservatives and business pressure groups. This means they will have greater power and influence due to their links in government. In 2023, Greenpeace UK lobbied government ministers, particularly the Minister for Energy and Climate Change, to pressure the government into committing to more ambitious carbon reduction targets and improving green energy infrastructure -> lobbying helped shape the government’s decisions on net-zero strategies and provided input into long-term energy transition policies.

Answer 81

Paragraph 1) Pressure groups force the Government to uphold rights by using judicial review. In 2023 - Liberty took the Home Secretary at the time (Suella Braverman) to court over the new protest regulations. In May 2024, the High Court ruled that the UK government's attempt to expand police powers over protests was unlawful, and the court found that Braverman had exceeded her legal authority.Hence, pressure groups are able to use a variety of means to defend and promote rights Counter 1) The government can take direct action to protect rights, like the Human Rights Act has revolutionised rights protection in the UK. Pressure groups use this piece of government legislation to promote rights, but without it, they would be ineffective, showing the importance of governments to protect rights. Human rights protect the basic freedoms and entitlements that every individual should have simply by being human. They are designed to ensure dignity and equality. The Equality Act 2010 is a UK law that protects people from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. It consolidated and replaced over 100 previous anti-discrimination laws into a single, clear piece of legislation. Further, protecting rights and allow a clear document to be formed that can uphold the rights.

Answer 82

Paragraph 2) Pressure groups protect the rights of minority groups, raising awareness of these issues and making the government take action. BLM uses Twitter and Facebook to raise awareness of racial injustice and anti-black racism, which has led to government investigations into racial disparities in policing, and multiple statues associated with racism were removed. Good Law Project - Brought legal challenges over NHS England’s long waiting lists for trans youth and lack of access to gender-affirming care. These challenges have increased scrutiny of NHS policy and treatment of transgender people. We can conclude that pressure applied to the government by Pressure groups for minorities is the key agent of change. They have deep knowledge of the legal, social, and lived issues affecting minority groups. Counter 2) In the UK, it is governments that create legislation to promote and defend rights, through parliament. Online Safety Act 2023 - To protect people, especially children, from harmful content online, and safeguard children’s rights. Domestic Abuse Act 2021 - Strengthens legal protections for victims of domestic abuse. Rights protection may be promoted and supported by many, but it is only through government legislation created through Parliament that citizens' rights advance. These legislations can allow the legal system to protect these rights. Legislation sets clear, nationwide standards that must be followed by public bodies, employers, schools - ensuring widespread protection

Answer 83

Paragraph 3) Pressure groups have been at the forefront of securing rights in the UK. Pressure groups speak up on behalf of others and articulate their demands; the campaign for lowering the voting age and women’s rights came about through pressure group actions. Stonewall has been at the forefront of the campaign to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people, particularly focusing on protecting trans individuals. The campaign raised awareness and kept the issue on the political agenda, leading to debates and consultations about extending protections. Black Lives Matter UK: Following the killing of George Floyd, Black Lives Matter UK organised public protests and media campaigns highlighting systemic racism and police brutality. They amplify the voices of those without significant political power, ensuring their concerns are heard. Pressure groups are skilled at using public campaigning to raise awareness and generate mass support for specific issues, causing change. Contrast 3) All major rights in the UK owe their existence to legislation created by government – the right to vote, equal pay, and sexual and racial discrimination. The Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalised consensual homosexual acts between two men aged 21 or over, but only in private and in England and Wales. This shows that although pressure groups can campaign, educate, and promote certain rights and values, the government needs to enforce protection for people. Futher modenrised in 2003, rmeoving discriminatory language and in 2017 - uk pardoned all those convicted

Answer 84

P1) Support for smaller parties are increasing massively as trust in the main 2 parties is diminishing. For example in the 2025 by-elections, Reform captured the Runcorn & Helsby seat in a historic by-election, overturning a substantial Labour majority with a narrow six-vote win. Can be seen as a vote on the current government, showing broad satisfaction or dissatisfaction and through the media can be amplified and affect the public image of parties. The fact that this was not the gain of the 2nd largest party and went to Reform shows large dissatisfaction. Reform also secured 677 out of approximately 1,600 council seats and took control of 10 councils, marking a significant presence in local governance. In 2025, among voters under 30, the Greens secured 15% support, reflecting growing appeal among younger demographics. A party doing poorly in local elections may be facing declining trust countrywide. In the 2024 general election, the Liberal Democrats achieved their best performance in over a century, securing 72 seats and becoming the third-largest party in the House of Commons. Starmar - 2025 May: Approval rating: 22% approve, 54% disapprove, C1) The Westminster system keeps out smaller, single-issue groups. This enables the larger parties to adopt their views if popular and represent the electorate in this way. This means that the Westminster system doesn’t need to be changed as their views are still being represented in politics. The Conservative Party under David Cameron eventually adopted UKIP’s anti-EU stance, promising a referendum on EU membership, showing how a single-issue party can influence the major political agenda. The Conservative Party, particularly under Boris Johnson, also made significant moves toward green policies, including committing to net zero emissions by 2050, influenced by the Green party’s popularity amongst younger voters.

Answer 85

P2)In the devolved regions, more accurate representation is obtained with systems of PR which reflects the wide spectrum of political parties. Scotland uses AMS and in 2021: Five parties gained significant representation and the Scottish Greens entered a power-sharing agreement with the SNP – something unlikely under FPTP. Under FPTP, smaller parties like the Scottish Greens would likely be shut out of government which allows them to influence policy on climate change and housing. The STV system used in Northern Ireland reflects the religious, nationalist, and political diversity of Northern Ireland and allows for more unity. PR systems In PR systems, the number of seats a party wins is directly proportional to the percentage of votes they receive. C2) The Westminster system provides a local linkage of an MP speaking on behalf of a Constituency, which can lead to better representation and change that fits the area. PR systems like STV produce multi-member constituencies. This can dilute the personal connection between an MP and their constituents. Voters may feel less able to reach out to their local representative since there are multiple MPs representing the same area. These MP’s may potentially be from different parties. Each NI constituency elects between 5 to 6 MLAs.Since multiple candidates are elected from the same constituency, it can sometimes be difficult to determine who has the strongest mandate in a region, stifling change.

Answer 86

P3) Tactical voting is a consequence of the FPP in Westminster, a change to PR would allow the electorate to vote for their first-choice party. In the 2024 UK general election, approximately 22% of voters reported voting tactically, according to a Yougov post 2024 election Poll. In Scotland, where STV is used for local elections, around 5-10% of voters report voting tactically, which is significantly lower than in Westminster elections. People under PR systems feel their vote matters and their first choice is always considered. This also reduces wasted votes - ERS: In the 2024 UK general election, an estimated 73.7% of votes were effectively "wasted"—meaning they did not contribute to electing a candidate. C3) The Westminster system may have weaknesses but it provides a strong and stable government which can actually pass policies. 2024 - 412 seats to Labour, 2019 - 365 seats. Majority governments under FPTP can pass policies more quickly and with less compromise, allowing them to fulfill manifesto promises. In the vast majority of cases, it has delivered governments able to implement a manifesto promises and claims a mandate. For example, with the conservative majority in 2019 contentious bills EU Withdrawal Agreement Act (2020) were passed due to 80 seat majority. Also introduced controversial protest restrictions like Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (2022). FPTP enables quick and decisive policymaking when one party holds a clear majority.

Answer 87

P1) I + C rights are not protected -> The UK does not have a systematic and formal Bill of Rights where individual and collective rights are defined. We fall behind almost all other Western democracies that enjoy defined rights such as these. Without a codified Bill of Rights, Parliament can legally pass laws that limit or remove rights, and no court can strike them down because of parliamentary sovereignty. Judges in the UK cannot override legislation that violates rights; they can only issue declarations of incompatibility under the Human Rights Act 1998, further weakening the protection of individual and collective rights. The US Bill of Rights - It limits government power and protects individuals from state overreach. It is entrenched, ensuring judicial enforcement of civil liberties C1) Although we don’t have formal support, both individual and collective rights are well protected, having a long history of support and respect. The parliament protects rights through legislation. The Equality Act 2010 enshrines protection from disability discrimination, enhancing the protection of the HRA 1998.. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Protects the collective right to transparency, enabling citizens, journalists, and NGOs to hold government accountable.

Answer 88

P2) Governments can and do regularly remove or restrict individual rights.. Often individual rights are restricted in the name of national security. Home Secretary Sajid Javid revoked Begums British citizenship citing national security concerns, Begum argued that it made her effectively stateless, and violated her rights to private life and a fair trial -> used prerogative powers to revoke Shamima Begum's citizenship. the Terrorism Act 2011, which was strengthened again in 2020 -> Imposed severe restrictions on terror suspects, often based on secret evidence; critics argue individuals can be punished without being charged.Under Article 15 of the European Convention on Human Rights, governments can temporarily suspend certain rights in times of war or public emergency, as long as the measures are proportionate. C2) The Human Rights Act 1998 has made a huge difference to the protection of individual and collective rights -> by bringing human rights into domestic law. The HRA allows individuals to challenge the government or public bodies in UK courts, making justice faster and more accessible. Protects both individual freedoms (e.g. privacy) and collective rights (e.g. trade union activity, religious groups, protest movements).All public authorities must act compatibly with human rights, improves accountability and helps embed rights into everyday decision-making, so parliament and judiciary consider rights when deciding actions

Answer 89

P3) Governments can and do regularly remove collective rights. Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 - included several measures that limit the right to protest and freedom of assembly. The Trade Union Act 2016 introduced measures like ballot thresholds for strikes and restrictions on picketing. These laws weakened the collective bargaining power of unions and limited the right to organize strikes. Governments often restrict collective rights—such as the right to protest, unionize, or form political movements—especially when they consider these actions to be a threat to public order or national security. C3) The courts can protect collective and individual rights. In the UK, while Parliament is sovereign, courts play a crucial constitutional role in upholding rights. The SC Ruling on the “Spy Cops” Case -> The Court ruled that covert surveillance of political groups was a violation of the right to protest and assemble freely, and there was a failure to adequately protect individuals' privacy rights. 2017: The Supreme Court ruled that the tribunal fees were unlawful because they effectively prevented access to justice for many, especially disadvantaged workers. This ruling protected collective rights of workers to access justice. Judicial review allows courts to examine whether the actions of public bodies are lawful.

Answer 90

P1) Referendums have not fully settled many issues since 1997, with results still being contested after the outcome. For example, the purpose of the 1997 devolution referendum was to suppress calls for independence in Scotland however, this has not occurred, and there has been the Scottish Referendum 2014. The Scottish Referendum of 2014 still failed to suppress calls for independence with SNP attempting to call another referendum in 2022 which was prevented by Johnson’s government. The brexit referendum failed to provide satisfaction with the Uk international role in the EU, Scotland - 62% voted remain and hence are dissatisfied with the UK decision to leave, again igniting calls for independence and leading to results being contested. C1) Referendums allowed the devolved regions to gain political influence and be able to legislate on matters that affect their country. Improved democracy as it allowed people to have an impact on how their country was to be governed. The turnout of the 2014 Scotland referendum was 60%, showing that there was genuine interest in devolution. Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill (2022) - It reflected a more progressive stance on gender identity issues than UK-wide policy, allowing them to make changes that may not occur in westminster. NI - did not ban handguns when the UK did after the Dunblane shooting - allows the laws to more accurately represent the people’s needs.

Answer 91

P2) Many referendums have little to do with the choice of the public but are really means to satisfy sections of political parties. They are able to manage internal party conflicts and appease factions.The AV Referendum (2011) could be seen as a coalition Bargaining Tool, a way in which Cameron could get Clegg’s support on a variety of issues, The Lib Dems pushed for it to satisfy their own party base, but it had little traction with the wider public, resulting in a resounding defeat. To some extent the Brexit Referendum (2016) was also a way to mitigate Conservative Party Divisions and also consolidate conservative power against the rising power of UKIP. It less about public demand and more about containing Eurosceptic backbenchers and party pressure. C2) Referendums have engaged, educated and motivated the public, increasing participation where individuals may not have previously voted. Scottish Independence Referendum (2014) had a turnout of 84.6%, which leads to massive political engagement, especially among young people and first-time voters. Some argued that it led to a political awakening in Scotland; party membership and activism rose, especially in the SNP and Scottish Greens. Brexit referendum - 72.2% -> older voters and those in traditionally disengaged areas, generated a national conversation about sovereignty, immigration, trade -> Before the referendum (2013): approx. 25,000 members, one month after the referendum (Oct 2014): over 92,000 members. People are more likely to participate when they feel the outcome will have a real impact on their lives

Answer 92

P3) Referendums have set in motion major constitutional change, which has undermined the union, and does not provide enough advantages to outweigh this. The benefits claimed for devolution are minimal, given the cost it has created and the political damage to the unitary and union state, it has created uncertainty in Northern Ireland -> The Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive have collapsed multiple times (2017–2020, and again from 2022–2024), Governance is regularly suspended, meaning no locally accountable ministers are running key services like health and education. showing that devolution has failed in its aims. 23-24 - Scotland received £41.6 billion via the Barnett formula. Brexit -> Northern Ireland remains partly aligned with EU rules to avoid a hard border with Ireland, This creates a regulatory and customs border in the Irish Sea again causing more disadvantages then advantages. C3) Referendums allowed the public a say on matters which divided parties such as the EU. The Brexit referendum is an example of this as it was a decision that would have a large impact on the future of the nation. Referendums are often used for divisive decisions and to legitimise the decision. The turnout of the Brexit referendum was 72%, which is much larger than the general and local elections, showing the interest of the country. Brexit was a very divisive issue and collective responsibility was formally set aside during the 2016 EU referendum campaign so that ministers could campaign for either side of the vote. As a form of direct democrac,y it increased participation and engagement, allowing people to express their views more than once every 5 years.

Answer 93

P1) The current funding suits the largest two parties, the Conservative and Labour parties, who benefit from the status quo, disadvantages smaller parties. 2022, the Labour Party's income from membership fees was approximately £15.96 million, In 2022, the Liberal Dems received £2.94 million in membership. People provide funding or membership support on the likelihood of success and the donations will be impacted by the parties current number of seats - creating a disparity in funding for larger parties C1) There is funding already available through short money which is provided to opposition houses to fund their role. 2023–2024 financial year, the Labour Party received £2,059,577.87 in Short Money funding from the UK government, and Reform UK: £287,754.27. There are electoral commission grants up to £2 million is available for this -> Conservative Party - £432,525 and Labour Party: £432,525 (2023-24). This is important as it helps build strong policies that are evidence based, strengthening their campaign.

Answer 94

P2) Funding from big business can lead to an over-reliance on donations, affecting the quality of their deicisons made. conservatives gave multi-million covid ppe contracts to significant donors of the party, rather than potentially better members for the job. The aviation industry contributed more than tenth of conservatives donation between april and June 2022, which the greens argued would affect the stance on green concerns with heathrow expansion and aviation as an industry. In 2024, Labour accepted donations from PR executives linked to fossil fuel clients ->Labour was accused of watering down its £28 billion green investment pledge, citing economic caution. C2)The changes and reforms introduced by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000 (updated in 2009) provide enough safeguards to make the issue of party funding secure and any further reform unnecessary. PERA was established in 2000: Independant electoral commision was established to record and publish how parties are funded, amount a political party can spend in a constituency during is limited £30,000, political parties must register large donation + 7500. PPEA establishes:electoral commission can impose civil sanctions ( fines), limit donations over £7500 to uk residents. This ensures transparency in funding.

Answer 95

P3) Too much influence of wealthy donors - Between 2023 and 2024, the Labour Party received approximately £7 million from trade unions. -> The Greens rely heavily on small donations from individual supporters - which will be minimal in comparison to corporation donations to Conservatives. Party funding is unfair because large donations from wealthy individuals or corporations give disproportionate influence over parties and policy. Wealthy individuals are more likely to back established parties that can deliver returns on investment. - Small parties often can’t attract big donors, limiting competition and entrenching the two-party system. Also infringes on democracy as when the ultra-wealthy can give millions, they gain far more access and influence than the average voter, making the voice and vote more influential C3) If state funding was introduced, it would cost the taxpayer – and mean that other government provisions or public services would be cut and complex to implement. As of the end of March 2025, the UK government's public sector net debt was estimated at £2.64 trillion. If may be seen as unethical for a person to have to support a party financially whose views they don’t support. Would lack public support, as people already struggling with tax.

Answer 96

P1) Think Tanks have an impact on government decisions because they often have specialists fields and can provide valuable research that influences the government’s policy decisions. Some think tanks are non-partisan, which can provide valuable suggestions without partisan biases: The Institute of Fiscal Studies is one example and is heavily influential. In its analysis of the October 2024 Budget, the IFS highlighted concerns about the government's fiscal strategy, particularly regarding the freezing of income tax thresholds. The IFS warned that this approach would lead to "fiscal drag," pushing more individuals into higher tax brackets and increasing the tax burden on households. Cross-party think tanks can be influential as it’s work transcends party politics and allows people to work together for positive change -> The Social Market Foundation - cross-party: Their work on “levelling up” and regional inequality has shaped both Conservative and Labour discourse on regional economic development. C1) Politicians are more likely to take advice from think tanks that share their party’s values so not constructive influence. Pressure groups are influential as can take group action and push governments towards action ->BMA: In 2023–24, its lobbying and strike action over junior doctors' pay pushed NHS reform and pay negotiations onto the government’s agenda. Liberty - opposition to the Public Order Act 2023 - Liberty argued the Act was “an attack on the right to protest” and amounted to authoritarian overreach -> In May 2024, the High Court ruled that the government acted unlawfully. Pressure groups can ensure all rights are considered and protected by governments. Pressure groups can also be a sources of education -> Advocated for stronger protections for LGBTQ+ students and inclusive education.In 2023, Ofsted revised its approach to evaluating LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools, and the DfE consulted Stonewall on draft guidance regarding gender identity in education.

Answer 97

P2) Lobbyists have an impact on the government - Lobbyists often have established relationships with government officials, usually well-connected. Lobbyists often come with specialised knowledge and technical expertise about complex industries. The 2023 conservative business day lobbyists have paid £3K to sit with ministers. Recent lobbying -> 2024, the private equity industry successfully lobbied the Labour government to moderate proposed tax increases on carried interest. Initially, Labour aimed to raise the tax rate from 28% to 45%, but other stakeholders, the increase was scaled back to 32%. The National Farmers Union (NFU) lobbying engages with the government to discuss agricultural policies, ensuring that farmers' needs and challenges are considered, thereby facilitating a dialogue that helps shape effective agricultural policies. C2) Lobbying is not always successful, whereas pressure groups have insider status and can influence departmental reports and policy creation. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) -> Played a key role in shaping the 2023 “Smokefree 2030” strategy, which includes banning disposable vapes and restricting tobacco sales to younger generations. Huge position of leverage with the government and may lead to more actual change rather than merely raising awareness - more direct, specific influence. BMA, representing junior doctors and consultants, coordinated strikes throughout 2023 and 2024 -> In early 2025, the government agreed a new multi-year pay deal partly shaped by BMA demands.

Answer 98

P3) Corporations have a large effect on the economy and their success contributes to the economic success of the country, therefore they have large bargaining power and can influence gov. Knowledge of the economy and on their sector can provide important information. The private lobbied to reduce the tax rate to 32% -> Initially, Labour's 2024 manifesto aimed to raise the tax rate from 28% to 45%. C3) However, corporations are ineffective when pressure groups raise awarness and Governments have to respond to public opinion. Water firms lobbied against higher fines and regulatory reforms -> Surfers Against Sewage and other public campaigns led to mounting public anger, the government increased the maximum fines for illegal discharges in late 2023. Liz Truss’s government lifted the fracking ban to boost domestic energy. Over 75% of the public opposed fracking in polls. The ban was reinstated in October 2022 by Rishi Sunak, following public backlash and Conservative MP pressure.

Answer 99

P1) Campaigns are most effective among "floating voters" who decide late -> In the 2019 UK General Election, about 20% of voters said they made up their mind during the campaign. Among undecided voters, two-thirds said the campaign had influenced their final choice. 2024 examples of campaign slogan: Labour, under Keir Starmer, adopted the single-word slogan “Change” to encapsulate its campaign. This slogan was prominently displayed on podiums and repeated throughout speeches, aiming to resonate with public dissatisfaction and the desire for a new direction after 14 years of Conservative governance. The "Get Brexit Done" slogan, used by the Conservative Party in the 2019 UK general election, was highly effective - The slogan distilled a complicated political issue into a clear message of confidence and capability. C1) Campaigns will only work when people are interested in knowing the other options and ideological views. Many voters have strong, stable loyalties that are resistant to campaigns. 2019 - only about 40% of voters identified as strong supporters of any one party, when including all levels of party identification (strong + weak), about 60–65% of voters still expressed some loyalty to a party. For instance, an Ipsos poll from June 2024 indicated that 64% of voters chose the party that best represented their ideological views -> This means no matter how good a right representative’s leadership qualities, if a voter ideologically views a left, they will not voter for charismatic candidate that does represent their views. Furthermore, Approximately 30% of voters indicated they would vote tactically to prevent a disliked party or candidate from winning -> therefore this shows that charismatic candidates may not get votes, because people will vote for a different party to ensure the candidate they don’t want to go in is unsuccessful

Answer 100

P2) Political advertising through social media could be influential for voting behaviour -> Labour invested £6.1 million in digital campaigning, surpassing the Conservatives' £2 million. Labour's TikTok account experienced a 43% follower growth in the 30 days leading up to the election, doubling the number of likes across all uploads. Most of the Reform Party’s growth and influence -> Despite being one of the smaller parties, Reform UK achieved significant organic interactions on Facebook, outperforming larger parties in terms of engagement. This success is attributed to their effective use of emotive and controversial content. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube allow highly specific targeting—by age, location, interests -> parties can reach swing voters, first-time voters, or specific issue-based groups with tailored messages. Social media makes political content shareable, so users often encounter ads or posts through friends and influencers, not just parties -> Viral posts often outperform paid ads in reach. C2) short term factors like age, education also have an affect: Younger Voters (18–24): Predominantly supported the Labour Party, with 41% of this age group casting their votes for Labour, while only 8% favored the Conservative Party. 2019 - 56% - labour, 21% conservative, Older Voters (65+): Showed a strong preference for the Conservatives, with 42% supporting them compared to 22% for Labour. 2019 - 57% - conservative, 22% - labour -> 2024 and 2019 - largely following voting behaviour expectations. Young Men (18–24): 9% voted for Reform UK - This trend reflects a broader shift observed in Western democracies, where young men are gravitating towards right-wing populist parties. Factors such as dissatisfaction with mainstream politics, economic challenges, and a search for community contribute to this phenomenon. High Education Level: Labour: 42% Conservative: 18%, 2019 - 43% - labour, 29% - conservative, Lower Education Level: Labour: 28%, Conservative: 31% - again following expectations of voting behaviour.

Answer 101

P3) A manifesto clearly outlines a party’s policies and proposals, providing voters with a roadmap for what the party intends to do if elected. Crafting a manifesto that reflects the values, aspirations, and concerns of local constituents helps create a sense of connection between the party and the voters. Labour's proposal to increase VAT on private school fees to fund the recruitment of 6,500 new teachers and the introduction of free breakfast clubs in primary schools with 61% of Britons supporting the private school fee tax. The Conservative manifesto proposed deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda, a policy that faced significant backlash. A YouGov poll indicated that 52% of the public opposed the plan, with only 39% in support. The Conservative manifesto proposed reintroducing a form of National Service, requiring young people (likely aged 18-21) to undertake some form of national service for a year, either in the armed forces or community-focused roles. C3) The media has a powerful ability to influence the framing of key political issues, which ultimately guides how voters understand and interpret policies -> Mainstream media outlets extensively reported on a series of scandals involving the Conservative Party. Allegations emerged that individuals close to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and certain Conservative candidates had placed bets on the timing of the election, prompting a police investigation. This digital amplification further influenced public sentiment, especially among younger demographics more active on these platforms.

Answer 102

The Supreme Court’s verdict that the Equality Act 2010's definitions of "woman" and "sex" pertain solely to biological characteristics and Starmer said this would align – this actually alienated younger people as the felt government was representing their views.

Answer 103

2023 British Election Study - 40-50% of young respondents could correctly name the UK Prime Minister or the main opposition leader

Answer 104

Voter turnout among the 16-17 age group was estimated to be around 75%, which is higher than the total turnout of the Brexit referendum, 2014 referendum was the first UK vote to give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote

Answer 105

IPSOS 2024 - 27% of TikTok users struggle to identify deceptive content. Uk riots were caused by factually incorrect spectualisations about the culprit

Answer 106

the UK Youth Parliament enables members aged 11-18 to debate real political issues and meet MPs. citizenship statutory subject

Answer 107

Among graduates, Labour support was more than double that of the Conservatives. Conservatives were 1.4 times more popular than Labour among those with no qualifications. 2019: Conservatives were 2.3 times more popular than Labour among those with no qualifications Labour was 1.5 times more popular than the Conservatives among graduates.

Answer 108

Support for labour decreased by 18% from 2019, and decreased by 3% for conservatives.

Politics plan Flashcards

(137 cards)