How pressure groups influence Whitehall and the political agenda

Abstract

Pressure groups do not have the power to make authoritative decisions themselves. They do not constitute governments, or control legislatures, or staff courts. Hence, their success in achieving their objectives depends on influencing political institutions to adopt the policies and measures they advocate. This may involve securing the attention of political influentials, which could entail using the media to win public sympathy for the case advocated. Even so, it must be stressed that the bulk of pressure-group activity is very undramatic and routine, and is invisible to the public eye. It involves a series of detailed discussions with civil servants, MPs or peers about the content and implementation of legislation.