spiked: Many on the left say we should reform the EU, rather than leave it. What is your view on this?

Lapavitsas: Reforming the EU is a long-standing dream of many on the left. It is something the British left has adopted quite recently compared with the rest of Europe. The British left used to be very Eurosceptic – that was a good thing.

I understand where this dream comes from. It comes from a wish to see a community of solidarity and support, to see a shared progressive outlook on economic and social policies across Europe.

But I must assure those who hold this view that they misunderstand the beast they are faced with.