RE: Your new line up.6 Jul 2024 12:12
STARMER/McLIBEL
The McLibel case was a landmark legal battle in the 1990s between McDonald's Corporation and two environmental activists, Helen Steel and David Morris. Keir Starmer, who is now the leader of the UK Labour Party, played a significant role in this case as a young lawyer[1][3].
Key points about McLibel and Keir Starmer's involvement:
1. The case began when McDonald's sued Steel and Morris for libel over a pamphlet they distributed criticizing the company's practices[1].
2. Starmer, then a progressive barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, provided free legal assistance to Steel and Morris from the early stages of the case[1][3].
3. While Steel and Morris represented themselves in court due to being denied legal aid, Starmer helped them behind the scenes by drafting pleadings and offering legal advice[1].
4. Starmer's involvement was crucial in getting the case off the ground and helping the activists navigate complex legal concepts[1][3].
5. He officially represented Steel and Morris at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) when the case reached that stage[1].
6. Starmer's work on the McLibel case is considered a central part of his early career as a human rights lawyer[1].
7. In footage from the time, Starmer praised Steel and Morris for their dedication and ability to handle complex legal issues[1].
It's worth noting that while Starmer provided significant assistance, Steel and Morris famously represented themselves throughout the lengthy legal battle in England, which lasted for 9 years[4]. Starmer's official representation was during the ECHR proceedings against the UK government, which concluded in 2005[4].
The McLibel case became the longest-running libel case in English legal history and resulted in a mixed verdict, with some claims against McDonald's being upheld while others were found to be libellous[2].
Citations:
[1] https://www.politicshome.com/thehouse/article/keir-took-mcdonalds
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLibel_case
[3] https://www.mcspotlight.org/people/interviews/starmer.html
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/jan/16/corrections-and-clarifications
[5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00168fp
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