Advantages of Lobbyists on Law Reform - model answer

• Lobbying can be done by individuals or professional lobbyists with the aim of getting the Government to make changes to the Law. There are a number of ways that this can be advantageous in reforming the Law.
• Draw Attention to Issues Parliament Were Not Aware Of

  They alert MP's to issues which may lead to debate in the Houses of Parliament, publicity and possibly changes in the law. For example Greenpeace (2017) Lobbying to change laws on plastics used in shower gels and soaps which were later banned for environmental concerns.
• System Open to Anyone

  Anyone can use the system from individuals (who might contact their local MP about an issue in their constituency) or professional lobbyists used by pressure groups (who may want the law changed on a bigger national issue). The system is available to anyone.
• Expert opinion

  Lobbyists can be experts surrounding the issue so they have a great deal of knowledge. They can also link with pressure groups to gain even more knowledge. If the individual does not begin as an expert, the majority of the time they will spend an endless amount of time getting up to speed.
• Successful

  Lobbying has a proven track record of working and leading to changes in the Law. This was seen in the Stonewall campaign which led to the development of equal rights for homosexuals and the removal of unequal laws such as Section 28 of the Local Government Act.