Pressure groups in the United Kingdom

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Pressure groups in the United Kingdom can be divided into two categories. "Cause groups", also known as "Promotional groups" lobby for a policy objective such as electoral reform or animal rights. The other type are "Sectional Groups", also know as "Interest Groups", which represent a section of society, such as teachers or farmers. Most sectional groups in the UK call themselves trade unions. Of these groups some, such as the Law Society, have formal consultative status within the higher echelons of the government may be referred to as "insider groups". Most do not have this status and may be referred to as "outsider groups".

Groups which are dedicated specifically to campaigning on political issues are generally excluded from charitable status and the tax advantages which go with it.[citation needed] However, some charities do campaign strongly on political issues associated with their area of interest, and this occasionally gives rise to controversy.[citation needed]

Pressure groups are often attacked for impinging upon the course of democracy, as more wealthy pressure groups can enforce economic and political sanctions on the government if support is withdrawn.[1]

This is an incomplete list, which may never be able to satisfy certain standards for completeness.
Revisions and sourced additions are welcome.

Contents

[edit] Sectional

See: List of trade unions in the UK

[edit] Cause

[edit] Political

[edit] Think tanks

[edit] Environmental

[edit] Food

[edit] Animal welfare and animal rights

[edit] Family life

[edit] Cultural

[edit] Women

  • The Fawcett Society

[edit] Human Rights

[edit] Science

  • Genewatch
  • Save British Science Society

[edit] Business

[edit] Britain and Europe

[edit] International Development

[edit] Religiously/Secularly based political

[edit] References

  1. ^ BBC NEWS | Programmes | BBC Parliament | Pressure groups

[edit] See also