Sir Paul McCartney says Quebec nationalists who have opposed his forthcoming appearance in the Canadian city should “smoke the pipes of peace”.

McCartney has been criticised for agreeing to participate in the 400th anniversary of the city because of Britain's mission into Quebec in 1760.

Speaking to Radio Canada, the former Beatle said: "I think it's time to smoke the pipes of peace and to just, you know, put away your hatchet because I think it's a show of friendship."

"I'm very friendly with the French people that I know. I know people of all nationalities and, hey, I'm friendly with German people and, by that argument, I should never go to Germany or they should never come here."

McCartney's choice of words – “the pipes of peace” - refers to his own 1983 song.

As previously reported, McCartney is reported to be considering playing a concert in Israel this September.

McCartney was banned from the country over forty years ago along with the rest of the Beatles but is said to be close to signing an agreement to play there.

The ban was lifted earlier this year, however.

(by Jason Gregory)