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Pressure groups are organisations that wish to influence political decision making. They do not wish to hold power for themselves but rather persuade decision makers, such as MPs, who do.

In the UK, there are several well-established, well-funded, and well-organised pressure groups that have been very effective in influencing decision makers.

What are the different types of pressure group?

• cause or 'promotional' groups
• interest or 'sectional' groups
• insider groups
• outsider groups

Cause or 'promotional' groups

These have open membership from the public and promote a cause. For example, Extinction Rebellion, which is concerned with protecting the environment.

Interest or 'sectional' groups

These are only open to certain individuals, like the members of a trade union. For example, the British Medical Association is only open to doctors. They campaign on issues affecting the medical profession, such as the recent dispute over contract proposals.

Insider groups

These types of pressure group are more likely to be successful. For example, the CBI (the Confederation of British Industry) are regularly consulted on policy by the government and the government worked closely with the CBI when arguing for the UK to remain in the European Union.

In Scotland there are a number of well-established 'insider' pressure groups such as Shelter Scotland, which campaigns on behalf of people with poor housing and the homeless in Scotland.

Outsider groups

These groups often take action of which the government disapproves. Sometimes outsider groups engage in civil disobedience or direct action in order to reinforce their point. Some outsider groups are also wealthy and use a great deal of publicity to attract people to promote their cause.

Extinction Rebellion is an example of an 'outsider' pressure group. Recently they have organised a series of protests because they are opposed to the government renewing investment in fossil fuels.