Bob Geldof attacked the European Union yesterday, claiming that it ignores the wishes of European citizens.
The singer and activist, who campaigned against Brexit, argued that Brussels needed a radical overhaul when he spoke at Trinity College yesterday.
He also predicted a European war within a generation or two as the West lurches towards nationalism and populism.
“Europe needs reform — it is sclerotic,” he told the university’s law society, which awarded him its Praeses Elit medal for his contribution to music and the greater good.
“The whole system is constipated. It needs a laxative to clear it out,” he said.
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Geldof said that half of Europe is desperately unhappy. “It is ignoring the wishes of European citizens. What worked for six [member states] doesn’t work for 28.”
One of the most outlandish stunts of the Brexit referendum campaign was the clash between Geldof and Nigel Farage, the Ukip leader, aboard flotillas on the Thames.
Geldof, who was knighted by the Queen, said that he met Mr Farage earlier this week at a party and shook his hand.
“He is an immensely dedicated populist . . . You have to hand it to the guy,” he said.
He insisted that Brexit remains part of a reactionary movement that is “really, really dangerous”.
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“England — that place that represented openness and tolerance when I couldn’t find it here, seems to be closing down,” he said. “It is increasingly less comfortable for me, and others who think like me, being there.”
Geldof said that countries in the West are being reduced to economically competing states, and in that scenario countries “go to war at a scratch”.
“I think we will go to war — possibly within a generation, possibly two. I really think that,” he said.
A “thuggish, predatory Russia being led by a brute” was already invading Europe as we speak, he added.
The poverty campaigner urged students to stop venting their spleen on social media — which he said was “just cyber-w***ing” — and get involved in protest and activism.
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Asked about criticism of the lyrics of his Do They Know It’s Christmas song — one of the best-selling of all time — he said: “My response is I don’t give a f***,” adding that it had raised millions pounds for Africa.