Bernard Sumner says Peter Hook can "f**k" off.

The singer has no plans to work with his former New Order bandmate because they no longer speak to one another.

Asked about his new musical project with New Order drummer Stephen Morris, Bernard replied: "It's very guitar based, we're just rehearsing at the moment. We won't be releasing it as New Order, basically Hooky left so we didn't want to carry on. I've not spoken to him since he went but Stephen's spoken to him."

Stephen added to BANG Showbiz: "Don't fall out with anybody, that's my motto in life, one thing - don't fall out, it's not worth it."

However, an angry Bernard then quipped: "That's not my motto, my motto is f**k him!"

Bassist Peter - whose nickname is 'Hooky' - announced in May 2007 he was no longer with the group, but confusion reigned for several months afterwards as the remaining members insisted the band was still together.

In July 2007, the group issued a statement saying: "After 30 years in a band together we are very disappointed that Hooky has decided to go to the press and announce unilaterally that New Order have split up. We would have hoped that he could have approached us personally first. He does not speak for all the band, therefore we can only assume he no longer wants to be a part of New Order."

New Order have not released any recordings since the statement.