Mark Steel’s BBC Podcast ‘Shadow World’ Revives McLibel – The Case That Took on McDonald’s
BBC Sounds is about to launch one of the most compelling investigative podcasts of the year — Shadow World: The People vs McDonald’s. Fronted by comedian, author, and broadcaster Mark Steel, the series revisits the extraordinary true story of the ‘McLibel’ trial — the longest-running case in English legal history.
What started in 1986 as a small environmental protest became a courtroom showdown between two ordinary citizens and one of the world’s biggest fast-food corporations. It exposed environmental damage, animal welfare concerns, and the ethics of multinational power — all while becoming a defining legal and cultural moment in Britain.
And as the new podcast reveals, the case had hidden consequences that touched everyone involved — including Mark Steel himself.
From Leaflets to Libel: The Spark That Ignited McLibel
In the mid-1980s, London Greenpeace — a small, independent environmental group (not connected to Greenpeace International) — began circulating a leaflet provocatively titled:
What’s Wrong with McDonald’s?
The pamphlet accused McDonald’s of:
Exploiting workers with low wages and poor conditions
Contributing to the destruction of rainforests for cattle farming
Treating animals cruelly in the meat supply chain
Selling unhealthy food linked to heart disease and even cancer
Targeting children with manipulative advertising
McDonald’s saw these allegations as false and defamatory. In 1990, they demanded an apology from several of the leaflet’s distributors.
The Activists Who Refused to Back Down
While most recipients of McDonald’s legal threats backed down, two individuals — Helen Steel, a part-time bar worker and gardener, and Dave Morris, a former postman — refused to apologise.
They argued:
The claims were true and in the public interest
McDonald’s business practices deserved public scrutiny
They had a right to free speech under democratic principles
What followed was unprecedented: McDonald’s took the pair to court in what became officially known as McDonald’s Corporation v Steel & Morris.
A Trial Like No Other
The trial began in 1994 and dragged on for 314 days of hearings over nearly three years — making it the longest libel trial in English legal history.
Key moments included:
Expert testimony from scientists, nutritionists, and former McDonald’s employees
Evidence about rainforest destruction linked to beef production
Debates over animal welfare and factory farming
Criticism of McDonald’s advertising aimed at children
Steel and Morris represented themselves for most of the case, relying on donated evidence and public support.
The Verdict and the Fallout
In 1997, the court delivered a split judgment:
McDonald’s won on some points (the judge ruled certain allegations were untrue or could not be proven)
Steel and Morris succeeded on others (the judge agreed that McDonald’s exploited children in advertising, paid low wages, and risked the health of regular customers)
The activists were ordered to pay £60,000 in damages — later reduced to £40,000. McDonald’s never attempted to collect the money, knowing it would cause more public backlash.
The Global Impact of McLibel
The trial became a symbol of resistance against corporate power. Key outcomes included:
Media spotlight on environmental, health, and ethical issues in the fast-food industry
Strengthened debate on freedom of speech and libel law reform in the UK
A European Court of Human Rights ruling in 2005, which found the UK’s libel laws had denied Steel and Morris a fair trial
Mark Steel’s Shadow World: Revisiting McLibel for a New Generation
Mark Steel’s Shadow World: The People vs McDonald’s is not just a re-telling of the trial — it’s a modern-day investigation into the legacy of McLibel, the ethics of corporate influence, and the ongoing fight for truth in the media.
Listeners can expect:
Archival recordings and first-hand interviews with key figures
Behind-the-scenes stories that never reached the press
Steel’s trademark wit balancing serious journalism with moments of sharp humour
An exploration of how the case shaped today’s environmental and consumer movements
The series will also unveil a little-known secret about British state involvement in the case — one that personally impacted Steel.
Why McLibel Still Matters in 2025
Even decades later, the McLibel case resonates because:
Environmental damage and climate change are more urgent than ever
Corporate accountability remains a global struggle
Social media has amplified both activism and corporate PR battles
Fast-food giants are still grappling with health, ethics, and labour criticisms
Podcast Release Date and Where to Listen
Title:Shadow World: The People vs McDonald’s
Host: Mark Steel
Platform: BBC Sounds
Release Date: 13 August 2025
Format: Investigative podcast series with multiple episodes
Final Thoughts
McLibel was more than just a court case. It was a cultural earthquake that challenged Britain’s legal system, reshaped debates on free speech, and inspired activists worldwide.
With Shadow World: The People vs McDonald’s, Mark Steel ensures that the voices of Helen Steel and Dave Morris — and the questions they raised — will be heard by a new generation.
