The Parisian riots may be the definining moment of French politics this decade. The youth of the banlieue are rejecting the povery brought about by racism, they are demanding dignity, and their violence represents their attempt to find a voice using the only method they have left.

This is a plea for solidarity actions on the part of the UK progressive community. We need to organise displays of support for the French rioters, and get in touch with the communities at the heart of the violence, so that these two movements, whose goals are the same (regardless of differences of opinion about methods), can open a dialogue and benefit from each other.

We mustn't stand by and let the French movement peter out; thanks to the effective segregation of French society there appears to be little effective communication between rioters and established radical organisations. This is a community of oppressed people trying to take their destiny into their own hands, and it would be a dereliction of our duty not to help them as best we can, and forge long-lasting connections.

This isn't an unreserved defence of the methods of the French rioters; many of us may disagree with violence and arson, many of us may not. But that's not the issue, a change in methodology is for the French rioters to arrive at themselves. This is a call to action for everyone who believes that state racism must be defeated, and that the inhabitants of the banlieues deserve a voice.

Start public discussions here, set up a webgroup, whatever; just let's all of us get involved now, and turn these riots into the defining event of European politics this century.