McLibel Two win 15-year legal aid battle

DAVID MORRIS and Helen Steel, who became known as the McLibel Two, and who were sued 15 years ago by fast-food chain McDonald’s and lost, were celebrating yesterday after they won their claim that the trial was an unfair fight.

The trial is estimated to have cost the fast food giant €15 million. The European Court of Human Rights found the British legal system breached their right to a fair trial and freedom of expression.

Mr Morris and Ms Steel were refused legal aid as it was not available under English law when McDonald’s issued a writ over leaflet allegations challenging the firm’s working practices and its food quality. After the trial - the longest civil or criminal case in English legal history - the law was amended to offer legal aid in libel cases in exceptional circumstances.