POP stars led by Bob Geldof including Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora and Sting have joined forces to warn against a no-deal Brexit and its effects on the music industry.

In a joint letter penned by the Boomtown Rats frontman, they claim the country would be placed in a “self-built cultural jail”.

3 Pop stars led by Bob Geldof have warned against a no-deal Brexit in a letter to Theresa May Credit: Getty - Contributor

Addressed to Theresa May, they say Britain’s departure from the EU threatens the “vast voice” of the £4.4 billion industry which “dominates” the market.

Jarvis Cocker and Damon Albarn, the frontmen of Britpop bands Pulp and Blur, are also among the signatories as well as former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and musical director of the London Symphony Orchestra Sir Simon Rattle.

The letter said: “Imagine Britain without its music. If it’s hard for us, then it’s impossible for the rest of the world.

“In this one area, if nowhere else, Britain does still rule the waves. The airwaves.

3 Rita Ora is among numerous musicians to have signed the joint letter penned by Bob Geldof Credit: Getty Images - Getty

3 Bob Geldof has warned the PM that a No Deal Brexit would mean the country would be placed in a 'self-built cultural jail'

“But Brexit threatens, as it does so much else, this vast voice. This huge global cultural influencer.

“We are about to make a very serious mistake regarding our giant industry and the vast pool of yet undiscovered genius that lives on this little island.”

The Observer who published the letter said it was circulated by Sir Bob Geldof with the subject “towards a 2nd vote”, in which Mrs May is urged to note that Brexit will “impact every aspect of the music industry”.

THE SUN SAYS: BOOMTOWN FLAT BOB Geldof warns Britain will be a ­“cultural jail” after Brexit. Quite why the power to strike our own trade deals will affect our ability to play guitar isn’t yet clear. In fact, when it comes to music, it’s Britain’s institutions that are more­ ­dangerous. The BBC has decided in its infinite wisdom to publish its entire archive of classical music to compete with streaming services and record labels. Why? Just because it can? It’s a decision that sums up the big-state, God-complex thinking that seeps right through the BBC. Lord Hall promised to change Auntie’s tune – but he’s still hitting the wrong notes.

Bob Geldof, Sharon Horgan and other Irish celebrities show their support for the abortion referendum