How Do Pressure Groups Use Professional Lobbyists And How Do They Campaign Outside The Government System?

Paid political consultants offer to act as intermediaries between pressure groups and parliament. Lobbyists have three main functions. Firstly, to provide groups with political information and secondly to bring groups into contact with MPs or officials and vice versa. Thirdly, to persuade MPs or officials to back a particular issue or cause.

Lobbyists have access to the heart of government. Others cultivate ties with backbenchers and department officials. Consultations are often hindered on both sides of the dispute.

In terms of campaigning outside the governmental system, pressure groups need to attract public support. They campaign in two following ways. They engage in long term educational and propaganda campaigns (for instance, anti-abortion groups go into schools to teach about the humanity of the unborn child in the hope that one day enough people will disagree with the practice) and in short term campaigns (for instance, on a particular proposal). It is important for outsider interest groups to have direct contact with decision makers, however.

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