The document outlines the rights and responsibilities of pressure groups. Pressure groups have the right to demonstrate, publicize their cause, contact politicians, and freely speak about their issues. However, they also have responsibilities to not break laws during demonstrations, tell the truth, not intimidate politicians, or verbally abuse others. Overall, the document discusses how pressure groups can advocate for their causes through certain rights but also must do so responsibly.

1. The Rights & Responsibilities of a Pressure Group
Pressure groups have both rights and responsibilities.
Rights of a Pressure Group
Responsibilities of a Pressure
Group
Pressure groups have the right to
demonstrate
45,000 people marched in Ayr to
save Ayr’s A&E Department
Pressure groups have the
responsibility not to break the law
whilst demonstrating. For example
100,000 people marched in
Glasgow against the war in Iraq
with very few disturbances.
Pressure groups have the right to
publicise their cause. For
example, the NSPCC pays for
poster, leaflet, and billboards to
publicise their Full Stop campaign
on child abuse.
Pressure groups have the
responsibility to tell the truth
when they are seeking publicity.
For example, research done by
Age Scotland is trusted for being
accurate to the point that the
Scottish Government often use it!
Pressure groups have the right to
contact politicians.
For, example John Scott MPS is
regularly contacted by the Keep
Ayr Beach Clean group.
Pressure groups have the
responsibility not to intimidate
politicians or cause them harm.
For example, during the ‘troubles’
the IRA attacked politicians and
their families on a number of
occasions.
Pressure Group members have a
right to speak freely. For
example, the protesters camping
outside St. Pauls Cathedral were
allowed to openly criticise the
government
Pressure groups have the
responsibility not too verbally
abuse people. For example during
the May Day rally some protesters
were arrested for verbally abusing
workers.