Why Won’t the BBC Play the Christmas Song Mocking Keir Starmer?

The BBC faces growing criticism for refusing to air a parody Christmas song, Freezing This Christmas, which has become a contender for the coveted Christmas number one spot.

The track, performed by Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers, has sparked a heated debate by mocking Labour’s controversial decision to slash winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners.

A Chart-Topping Contender

The song, inspired by Mud’s 1974 festive hit Lonely This Christmas, has resonated with listeners. Its satirical lyrics, including “It’ll be freezing this Christmas, without fuel at home, while Keir Starmer is warm”, have propelled it to the top of download charts like the EE Big Top 40.

The song was created by Chris Middleton, a 33-year-old freelance writer with the help of Dean Ager, a 51-year-old Rat Pack tribute singer.

They claim the BBC’s refusal to play the song is stifling its reach and preventing it from raising vital funds for charities supporting the elderly.

But Mr Ager has claimed it is being neglected on the radio. He told The Telegraph:

“I’ve not heard it one time – I get being impartial, but surely that contradicts freedom of speech.

“If it’s not being played, it’s raising less money, and this message shouldn’t be blocked.”

Satire and Scrutiny

Greg Smith, Conservative MP for Mid Buckinghamshire, criticised the BBC, saying:

It’s An absurdity that the BBC who like to present themselves as being allegedly impartial should not play a song that is selling so well – and could even be number one”

The Conservative MP told the Telegraph:

“Satire is often the most powerful check on power – and this song is highlighting the seriousness of Labour’s political choices to give bumper pay deals to their union paymasters whilst stripping some of our poorest pensioners from vital funds to heat their homes this winter.”

The song points to Labour’s decision to cut Winter Fuel Allowance, a move that will leave over nine million pensioners without the payment. Critics argue this will plunge tens of thousands into fuel poverty, with potentially fatal consequences.

“Bias or Impartiality?”

The BBC has defended its stance, stating that its decisions are made with “relevant audiences and context in mind.” But the song’s supporters aren’t buying it. A tribute singer, who has been performing the track, said:

“I get being impartial, but this is about freedom of speech. If it’s not played, it raises less money, and vulnerable pensioners are the ones who suffer. 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 song finishes with a biting line aimed directly at Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer:
Merry Christmas, Keir, I hope you can sleep at night.

With the song already dominating download charts, all eyes are on the BBC to see whether they will give airtime to this controversial, chart-topping contender—or if claims of bias will overshadow its success.

How You Can Help

With less than a week until Christmas, the campaign to push Freezing This Christmas to the number one spot is gaining momentum. Here’s how you can support it:

• Listen and Share: Stream Freezing This Christmas on channels like Spotify and share it widely to spread awareness.
• Follow the Campaign: Stay updated via YouTube, Twitter / X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Donate: Support the cause through the JustGiving page and help keep vulnerable pensioners warm this winter.