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Outsider pressure groups

Description

Some rural pressure groups have used direct action to express their concerns over the ban on hunting. The ‘Rural Rebels’ pressure group felt that the democratic process was failing them, so turned to a campaign of demonstrations. Blockading the M74 and releasing foxhounds in Holyrood Park were part of their efforts to win a ‘sound-bite and pictures war’ to get their message across.

Classroom Ideas

Students could watch the clip to explain what is meant by the term ‘direct action’, and why some groups believe this is an appropriate method to influence decision-makers. Students may wish to conduct further research into other pressure groups and the methods they use to influence decision makers. Students could compare insider versus outsider pressure groups. How similar or different are their tactics?