Disadvantages 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 disadvantageous in reforming the Law.
• Open to Abuse

  The system is open to abuse especially where professional lobbyists are used, MPs can be paid to ask questions which means the professional lobbyists have more influence than the individual lobbyists. The system was meant to be equally accessible to all. To be a successful Lobbyist you need significant financial resources and this is not accessible to individuals who may have a good reason to change the law.

  For example, Conservative MP Bim Afolami has been accused of not declaring payments received from a lobbyist group.
• Lack of Public Support

  Lobbyists may try to force change or influence the Government even with little public support. The views of lobbyists may only represent a small proportion of society and not the majority. Some may cause disruption to the lives of others, such as Just Stop Oil protestors, which can negatively affect their cause.
• Conflict Between Different Lobbying Groups

  It is possible for lobbyists to have conflicting ideas to other lobbyists or pressure groups will have conflicting ideas. This can result in more powerful voices being heard and some issues going unanswered, even where they are no less important.
• Time

  Even if MPs want to help they may not have the time available to do so, or be unable to help. The debates in Parliament are controlled by the majority party, as are the times for debating new Laws. If an MP from one of the lower represented parties has been lobbied, it is unlikely that they will be able to bring a change to Law.