A satirical protest song targeting Labour leader Keir Starmer, titled “Freezing This Christmas”, has topped the official singles downloads chart. The song, created by musician Chris Middleton and performed by “S and the Granny Hummers,” criticizes the government’s handling of pensioners’ issues during the cost-of-living crisis. Despite its popularity, the BBC has refused to play the song, sparking a debate over free speech and political bias.
The song’s lyrics highlight the struggles of pensioners unable to afford heating while accusing Keir Starmer of failing to address their plight. Lines such as “It’ll be freezing this Christmas while Keir Starmer’s warm” are accompanied by a call to action, with proceeds from downloads going directly to charities supporting vulnerable pensioners.
Speaking from outside BBC headquarters, GB News presenter Martin Daubney said:
- “This is a protest song with good humor and a serious purpose. Every penny from downloads is helping keep pensioners warm this winter. But the BBC refuses to play it, showing their bias.”
Daubney added that public reactions had been overwhelmingly positive, with BBC staff even shaking hands and expressing support during his live segment outside the broadcaster’s offices.
The BBC has declined to air the song, stating:
- “Decisions on what stations play are always made with the relevant audiences and context in mind.”
Critics, however, accuse the broadcaster of political favoritism. Daubney drew comparisons to the BBC’s historical refusal to play other controversial hits, such as “God Save the Queen” by the Sex Pistols in 1977, suggesting the decision is part of a pattern of avoiding politically sensitive material.
The song has ignited fierce debate among commentators and panelists. On one side, supporters argue the song uses humor to spotlight the struggles of pensioners and hold politicians accountable. On the other, critics accuse its creators and supporters of mocking serious issues.
Broadcaster Kane Blackwell commented:
- “This is an ironic critique of Keir Starmer’s government. It points out the broken promises and the struggles pensioners face—not to mock them, but to call attention to these issues.”
However, Matthew Stadlen, another panelist, pushed back strongly:
- “I find it disgraceful to laugh at anything related to old people suffering. This song, while claiming to support pensioners, generates laughter at their expense. It’s in extremely poor taste.”
Stadlen’s comments were met with pushback, with others arguing that the humor in the song targets political failures rather than pensioners themselves.
Despite the controversy, the song has raised £34,000 for pensioner charities through a JustGiving campaign, with all proceeds from downloads donated to help those struggling with energy costs this winter. Chris Middleton, the creator of the song, is set to discuss its success in an interview with Martin Daubney at 5:40 PM on GB News.
Supporters of the song argue that it underscores broader issues with political leadership and unfulfilled promises. Martin Daubney concluded his segment with a direct message to the BBC:
- “If the BBC won’t play it, we will. This song isn’t about making fun of pensioners—it’s about holding the government to account for abandoning them.”
As the public debate rages on, the song remains at the top of the downloads chart, proving that humor, even when controversial, can resonate deeply with a frustrated public.
