Britain’s decision to leave the European Union is a wake-up call to the leaders of Europe. We have had enough of being run by undemocratic institutions which act in the interests of big business. We are tired of having the lives of Europe’s people dictated by the will of the financial market.

The failure of the EU institutions to respond to the democratic demands of Europe’s people has now provoked an unprecedented crisis in the history of the EU. If the EU does not change, fundamentally and quickly, it will disintegrate.

We are further concerned that, while we respect the frustration and the decision of the British people, the campaign for Exit from the EU was marked by disinformation, fear, racism and even violence. This echoes the rise of the far right in Europe’s elections and the violence we have seen against refugees and migrants at Europe’s borders. We fear that the far right will now capitalise on Brexit.

That’s why it’s urgent that we who have very different values of internationalism, democracy and equality should act now. We understand the anger of Europe’s people. The ravages of austerity, the erosion of democracy, the destruction of public services have turned our continent into a playground for the 1%. This is not the fault of migrants but of finance and big business lobbies and complying politicians.

We commit ourselves to work with grassroots movement right across Europe to take back control of our economies, our societies and our lives. We demand that the EU radically democratise its structures to represent Europe’s people, so that it can support these efforts to create a fairer, more sustainable continent. We further demand they stop negotiating TTIP and other undemocratic trade deals, take control of the financial system and restrain corporate power, treat migrants with respect and dignity, support the creation of democratically controlled public services, work to a zero emission economy in a decade, and end austerity.

We also offer support to those in Britain fighting for a better country, in their battle against racism and the far right. A better Britain can help inspire a better Europe.

Another Europe is possible. If the EU cannot be part of that better Europe, it will be swept away.