There are many influences operating on parliament before and during the legislative process. Explain and evaluate any three of these influences, giving examples of how parliament has been persuaded to introduce legislation.

Public disquiet is also an influence on parliamentary decisions. The media play a powerful part in public opinion as they enlighten the public on issues at stake in parliament and events going on in the country. An example of public disquiet, portrayed by the media, leading to a Statute to be passed is the, Dangerous Dog's Act (1991). Although the media is a useful tool in making parliament and its MPs aware of public concerns, it has also proved some problems as with the Dangerous dogs Act, that was quickly rushed through in 1991 after a number of attacks on people by pit bull terrier dogs, that were highlighted by the media. The Act later proved to be flawed as these dogs were being put down in some instances, merely for their muzzles being removed in public, without them being a threat.

Legislation may also be influenced significantly by pressure groups. Pressure groups provide individuals with the opportunity to influence government decisions. Any group or organisation can act as a pressure group, lobbying MPs to have their items put on the political agenda. Pressure groups are classified in two categories. These are interest groups that pursue the welfare of their members (e.g. AA) and cause groups that pursue moral and social objectives (e.g. Green peace.). Whereas interest groups usually have functions other than lobbying cause groups are formed solely for this purpose. The Consent for Homosexuals Act ( ) was a clear example of the government bowing to public opinion and the efforts of pressure groups, where the government agreed to reduce the age of consent for homosexual acts in private from 21 years of age to 18. Pressure group activity brings a number of benefits to the legislative process as it informs and assists the legislature on the need for new legislation and the form it should take, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. It also empowers the naturally weaker groups in society (e.g. disabled people, homeless) and brings them together collectively involving them in the legislative process contributing to the democratic nature of it. Pressure groups also contribute their expert knowledge on specific issues when it comes to the consultation part of the legislative process, as they can give first hand information on the issue. However there are also potential disadvantages as the danger has increased with the growth of professional lobbying agencies and the number of MPs acting as consultants to these organisations that a well-organised and resourced group may be able to exert a greater degree of influence than the support it receives in society, meaning that pressure group activity may distort, rather than enhance the democratic nature of the process.

The process by which tentative proposals for new legislation finally emerge as Acts of parliament is a complex and lengthy one. It involves not only legal but also various social, political and economic considerations for the legislation to operate efficiently, effectively and democratically, therefore certain influences on these decisions made by parliament are necessary. Although necessary, some may prove to be potential problem, as they may be a threat to the democratic nature of the process, and some influences that make the legislative process highly democratic do not make up much of the total. Therefore a system of regulation may be required to prevent abuse of influence. On the whole these influences on the decisions of parliament are inevitable and, in many respects, beneficial.