The BBC is facing intense backlash over its refusal to air the parody Christmas song, Freezing This Christmas, which has become a notable contender for the coveted Christmas number one spot. Performed by Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers, the satirical track takes aim at Labour’s controversial decision to slash winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners this holiday season.
Inspired by Mud’s 1974 festive classic, Lonely This Christmas, the new song has captivated listeners with its sharp lyrics, including lines like, “It’ll be freezing this Christmas, without fuel at home, whilst Keir Starmer is warm.” These biting lyrics have propelled the song to the top of download charts, including the EE Big Top 40, which ranks the best-selling downloads.
Created by Chris Middleton, a 33-year-old freelance writer, and Dean Ager, 51, a Rat Pack tribute singer, Freezing This Christmas has quickly garnered attention as its creators claim the BBC’s refusal to play the song is stifling its outreach and financial contributions to charities aiding the elderly. Ager expressed his frustration saying, “I’ve not heard it one time – I get being impartial, but surely this contradicts freedom of speech. If it’s not being played, it’s raising less money, and this message shouldn’t be blocked.”
The song manages to touch on sensitive themes surrounding Labour’s recent cuts to winter fuel allowances, which will affect over nine million pensioners. Critics of the administration argue this decision will plunge countless senior citizens—many already on fixed incomes—into fuel poverty, leaving them cold and struggling to afford basic necessities this winter. Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, weighed in on the issue, arguing, “It’s absurdity for the BBC, who pride themselves on impartiality, to ignore such a successful song which could draw attention to serious issues.”
It’s not just media figures who are reacting; many ordinary citizens have been moved by the song's message. According to reports, more than half of pensioners affected by the cuts are planning to turn down their heating to manage their bills, and approximately one-third say they will be spending less on gifts and festive meals this year. The song serves as both entertainment and urgent social commentary on the state of older individuals who feel abandoned by the system.
Despite the song’s rising popularity, the BBC maintains its position, stating their decisions are made with “relevant audiences and contexts” considered. This has not satisfied supporters who argue the corporation is demonstrating bias. One tribute singer performing the song spoke candidly about the perceived censorship, stating, “To be honest, I think this is the BBC just showing their true colours. They seem to be the Biased Broadcasting Corporation these days.”
The juxtaposition of the song's fun, festive tone with its serious undercurrent has engendered spirited discussions about media ethics and political accountability. The creators of Freezing This Christmas assert their goal is to raise funds for Age UK—an organization working to support vulnerable older people—by donating all profits from the track. So far, over £15,000 has been raised, with music fans being urged to stream and share the song as part of the movement to push it up the charts.
During the Prime Minister's Questions last week, the issue reached the Floor of Parliament when Tory MP Luke Evans posed the question around the single's success, asking whether Starmer would celebrate the track. Starmer, taking it all light-heartedly, responded, “I will end this last question by repeating happy Christmas and peace to everyone across the House.” By making light of the moment, it’s clear the Prime Minister may be coping with the pressure of the parody song's popularity surrounding him.
Meanwhile, the song also creatively incorporates spoken snippets from Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, making pointed remarks about the political situation, enhancing its satire. These segments bring attention to the speeches of politicians who defensively addressed the funding cuts, making the song resonate more with the public as it exposes the stark realities of many who struggle economically.
This year, as holiday music dominates the airwaves, Freezing This Christmas is poised to challenge traditional festive songs with its combination of social messaging and humor. The lyrics have been described as poignant and reflective of the sentiments of many Britons facing economic struggles, especially during the winter season.
Although Freezing This Christmas is now topping polarizing conversations, it encapsulates the spirit of social commentary through music. Whether it’ll hold the number one spot and force the BBC’s hand to embrace its broadcast remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the song has struck a chord with listeners, energizing public discourse around important social issues during this festive time.”
With less than a week until Christmas, supporters are rallying around the song to increase its visibility: streaming, sharing, and donating to Age UK are actions they are encouraged to take to assist the cause. The campaign to push Freezing This Christmas to the number one spot continues to grow, underscoring the urgent need to address issues impacting older citizens across the UK.
