How can corporations influence government?

How can corporations influence government?

In September 2024 it was revealed that the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, had received £13,000 worth of football tickets, donated by the Premier League and seven Premier League clubs. Moreover, the Premier League also gave Starmer tickets to see Taylor Swift at Wembley, worth £4,000. In fact, the Premier League gave out £41,000 worth of tickets to MPs from both parties in 2024. Naturally, some might wonder why the Premier League is showing such generosity to MPs?

It just so happens that the government is currently seeking to pass the Football Governance Bill, an act which would create a football regulator to oversee the finances of football clubs in England. The Premier League have stated an objection to the Football Governance Bill and would like to see amendments made to it.

That many government ministers have been guests of the Premier League and almost certainly met with Premier League officials at said events, there is a danger that they might be more inclined to accept the position held by the Premier League on the Football Governance Bill.

The ministerial code says that ‘no minister should accept gifts, hospitality or services from anyone which would, or might appear to, place him or her under an obligation’. Though their attendance at a football match shouldn’t place a government minister under any ‘obligation’ to the Premier League it will be worth watching whether the government amends the Football Governance Bill so that it responds to the concerns of the Premier League.

Exam Tip – A popular exam question has been whether pressure groups, think tanks or corporations have more influence over the government. The Premier League’s donation of match tickets to MPs is a great example of why corporations have much more influence than pressure groups. Whilst pressure groups might be able to get media attention, rarely do they ever get to meet face to face with government ministers. Corporations on the other hand understand that they need to work with those in power and giving them seats at the football or to a Taylor Swift concert are a great opportunity to speak to them directly.