Explain and assess the way in which local and/ or national government has reacted to a campaign known to you.

Written by Kim Hughes (Feb 2006)

Introduction

Throughout the last century the importance of ‘people power’ and consumers has become increasingly more significant. Local and National governments on many occasions have conformed in order to keep the public happy. When an issue arises that a group of people feel strongly about, they apply pressure to the government (local or national) and protest in a variety of ways.

Methods

These methods of protest could include: rallies, marches, contacting MP’s, gaining press coverage, petitions, strikes and organising pressure groups (for example Fathers for Justice and Greenpeace) If enough pressure is applied the government often end up supporting the cause in order to avoid public disproval and keep electoral support.

Local Campaign

A recent local campaign that gained a lot of local press coverage and some at a national level was the attempt to close down and relocate a local secondary school- Embrook Comprehensive in Wokingham. The public response was overwhelming and Mothers and students grouped together and protested. The main methods used were a petition sent around gaining over 500 signatures, protests outside the school and frequent complaints to the council and Members of Parliament. Press coverage was in favour of the protestors and portrayed the local government in a bad light. Interviews from the parents and students were on Regional News Channels (Meridian) and protests were highly publicised.

Local Government Reaction

As planning permission progressed the protests grew fiercer and finally on the 25th January 06, after negotiations, the local council gave in to the pressure and not only revoked the proposal but decided to use the money initially planned for the redevelopment on improvements for the actual secondary school! This was a tremendous success for the protestors. The Council (local government) and school governors saved their reputation being severely damaged and the children got to pursue their education in a stable environment with enhanced facilities.

Local Government assessment

The government took this action as it seemed the pressure from protestors was fierce and gained a lot of support. I believe the outcome of this negotiation was cleverly handled by the government as in the situation it was the most positive situation. The money appeased the parents and prevented hard feelings or further consequences against the local government.

National Campaign- Iraq war

Another campaign we can explain and assess is the Iraq anti- war campaign. The national government reacted in a totally different way and handled the protestors in an extremely different way to that of the local secondary school issue. Obviously this issue is on a much larger national scale, with life or death implications. This increases both the passion of the protestors and the importance of the government’s decisions.

The anti-war coalition organisation organised the largest demonstration protest Britain has ever seen. On Sunday 16th February 750,000 people from 250 cities and towns around Britain took to the streets of the capital and marched through to voice their opposition to military action against Iraq. Slogans were coined and banners made as people used massive scale and intense press coverage to show their strong feelings against the government decision to invade Iraq. The reason people felt so strongly was that it would involve risking young British soldiers and innocent civilians’ lives for with no direct gain.

National Government Reaction

The government did not let the mass of ‘people force’ influence their decision. Alternatively Blair and the labour government introduced a policy of appeasement and explanation. Rather than conforming to public demand as I previously discussed in the local Government Issue the government attempted to justify their actions through a series of speeches and press coverage. Blair made the war in Iraq sound humane and essential by claiming "I ask just one thing: attack my decision but at least understand why I took it and why I would take the same decision again.” This was followed by a list of justifications.

Government Justification

The key justification given to the public was the threat of terrorism. He used previous devastating events such as September 11th"Suppose the terrorist repeated September 11 or worse” as emotional triggers to make the public believe the war was fighting terrorism rather than a brutal attack on Iraq. The war was coined ‘The War on Terrorism’ this was unsuccessful in appeasing the majority of the masses and protests continues raging. People of all ages participated in the demonstrations and the protest became worldwide.

The next justification given by the government was the WOMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) the government introduced a certain fear factor so people were scared of the potential threat. In reality Blair had little evidence for this accusation and it can be seen as a scapegoat. This however was a fairly successful method of appeasement as the war seemed to have a purpose that would maximise Britain’s security.

Conclusion

In conclusion the local and national governments have reacted in two very different ways to campaigns bought to their attention. The local government reacted appropriately due to the mass of protestors and emotions. Whereas the national government felt it was too late to change their decision and implemented a lot of press coverage and speeches as a method of appeasement and justification.