A parody song lampooning Keir Starmer’s Labour Government for its cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment, “Freezing This Christmas”, has sensationally claimed the top spot in the UK charts.
Titled “Freezing This Christmas,” the track by “Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers” surged to number one on the Official Big Top 40 chart on December 15th, capturing the public’s attention and striking a chord with many disillusioned listeners.
Set to the tune of Mud’s 1974 festive hit “Lonely This Christmas,” which was itself a chart-topper, the parody song delivers biting satire with lyrics highlighting the struggles of vulnerable people during the winter months.
The chorus goes: “It’ll be freezing this Christmas, without fuel at home, it’ll be freezing this Christmas, while Keir Starmer is warm. It’ll be cold, so cold, without fuel at home, this Christmas.” The juxtaposition of the much loved holiday tune with stark lyrics about heating insecurity has drawn widespread attention and sparked debate across the political spectrum.
The lyrics were written by Chris Middleton and sung by the Brighton-based Rat Pack tribute act Dean Ager.
The song’s success comes amidst ongoing criticism of the Labour Government’s decision to scale back the Winter Fuel Payment, a move that has left many elderly and low-income individuals struggling to afford heating as temperatures plummet.
In one particularly stinging moment, the track features a clip of Starmer himself recounting a conversation with a woman who admitted she stayed in bed until midday to avoid turning on the heating. This soundbite has been widely shared online and has become a symbol of public frustration.
Despite – or rather because of – its popularity, “Freezing This Christmas” has been met with hostility from certain quarters.
The BBC has reportedly banned the song from its stations, ostensibly to avoid embarrassing the government as the recording looks set to claim the coveted Christmas number one spot. Critics of the broadcaster’s decision argue that this amounts to censorship and demonstrates an unwillingness to challenge those in power.
Meanwhile, the song’s creator, who has identified himself as Middleton, has expressed surprise at the overwhelming response. In an interview with GB News, he explained that his intention wasn’t to create a chart-topping hit but rather to use music as a vehicle to draw attention to the plight of those impacted by the government’s policies.
“My goal wasn’t to get to number one, at all,” Middleton stated. “My goal was just to put the song out there and see what happens, and it’s kind of taken on a bit of a life of its own. Now, it’s out of my hands. In a lot of ways, the people have decided.”
Middleton also revealed that any proceeds from the song will be donated to charities that support elderly people, many of whom are facing a bleak winter without adequate heating. “The people are angry,” he continued. “They want to see it go to number one, I think, as a way to send a message to the Government.”
The song’s rise to prominence highlights the enduring power of protest music in British culture. From the anti-Thatcher punk anthems of the 1980s to the socially conscious grime tracks of the 2010s, music has long served as a means of giving voice to public discontent.
“Freezing This Christmas” follows in this tradition, using humour and sharp criticism to hold political leaders accountable.
The Labour Government’s response to the controversy has been muted, with officials declining to comment on the song or its chart success. However, political commentators have noted that the backlash over the Winter Fuel Payment cuts could have broader implications for Starmer’s leadership and Labour’s standing with voters.
Once seen as a strong contender to restore public trust in the party, Starmer now finds himself under fire from critics who argue that his government has failed to deliver on promises of social justice and support for the most vulnerable.
As the debate rages on, “Freezing This Christmas” has become a rallying cry for those demanding action on heating poverty.
Social media has been flooded with posts from fans sharing the song and urging others to stream or purchase it to ensure it remains at number one for Christmas. Hashtags such as #FreezingThisChristmas and #GrannyHarmers have trended on Twitter, further amplifying the song’s message.
Whether the song’s chart success translates into political change remains to be seen, but its impact is undeniable. By blending humour with biting social commentary, “Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers” have tapped into a deep vein of public frustration and given voice to the anger of those left out in the cold—literally and figuratively—this Christmas.
As December 25th approaches, all eyes are on the Official Christmas Number One race, with many hoping that “Freezing This Christmas” will hold onto its top spot. For now, it stands as a powerful reminder of the challenges facing millions this winter and a call to action for greater compassion and accountability in government policy.
Age UK has launched a JustGiving page to raise money for pensioners who will be going cold after Keir Starmer and his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, decided to axe the Winter Fuel Payment for all pensioners except those on Pension Credit.
