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Helen Dennis

@helendennis.bsky.social
326 followers 592 following 87 posts

Recovering former Labour Cllr & Mum to 2 minis. Lots of thoughts on housing, migration, local govt & int devt. Love all things Southwark. Views all my own!

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Reposted by Helen Dennis
The i Paper @theipaper.com · 09/07/2026
🔴 Exclusive | Nearly 80 Labour MPs have signed a private letter urging Andy Burnham to retreat on Shabana Mahmood’s controversial immigration reforms, The i Paper has been told Read more: trib.al/LsuQfAN
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
I've written a personal & non-political blog on my 11 years as a local councillor drawing on NEF's 5 Ways to Wellbeing which we promoted in Southwark. Politics is brutal but we desperately need more people with integrity & resilience to stand... gracetruth.blog/2026/05/07/t...
gracetruth.blog
The personal cost of political service – by Helen Dennis
After 11 years of planning committees, resident engagement events, surgeries and political meetings in cold church halls, I have decided to hang up my councillor lanyard today. My decision to run c…
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Important data point here: “A sharp fall in Labour's performance is accompanied more often by an above average Green performance than it is by a strong Reform performance”. The Greens have already hurt Labour even before any direct gains.
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
1/ I am dismayed that Berkeley Homes are once again reducing their affordable housing offer in Southwark - this time on the Borough Triangle site.
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
1/ I am immensely disappointed by the number of affordable homes now approved in the Canada Water master plan. We have been clear & consistent in our position. The revised plans do not meet Southwark's housing needs & the council would not have recommended the British Land application for approval.
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Great to join @coopparty.party.coop launch of report on Community-Led Housing with Angela Rayner who always speaks with passion on affordable housing. Looking forward to Southwark's first CLT progressing - hopefully with community housing funding solution soon! 🙏🏼 @matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Tom Copley @tomcopley.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Council housing is a top priority for @sadiqkhanlondon.bsky.social, so it was great to join @helendennis.bsky.social at the groundbreaking for 340 new homes at the Ledbury estate, including 215 council homes funded by the Mayor. A fantastic scheme led by LB Southwark in partnership with Higgins.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Inside Housing @insidehousing.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
dlvr.it
Call for councils to have access to ‘ultra-low interest rates’ in line with other registered providers
Councils need better borrowing conditions to invest in their stock, including “ultra-low interest rates” in line with other social landlords, a conference has heard
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
An excellent day in Leeds at the Future of Council Housing Summit discussing wins on right to buy reform, 10-year HRA settlement and £39bn grant programme. But still lots more than needs to be done to support councils to build at scale. Proud that Southwark is at the forefront of this campaign...
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Southwark Council & Notting Hill Genesis have agreed in principle to change our long-standing partnership on the Aylesbury Estate. Full statement here: www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2026/ne...
southwark.gov.uk
The next phase for the Aylesbury Estate | Southwark Council
Southwark Council and housing association Notting Hill Genesis have agreed in principle to changing their longstanding partnership to regenerate the Aylesbury Estate.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Mainstream @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
The message from Gorton and Denton is clear: Labour needs a fundamental reset.
The Gorton and Denton result is an absolute disaster for Labour. Clearly, we now risk no longer being seen as the natural home for progressive voters.

This loss was avoidable. Angeliki, members and our party staff worked tirelessly, but our leader and sections of the NEC blocked the one candidate who could have won it for us. That decision now looks like a catastrophic error.

We need an immediate and fundamental reset - of strategy, of policy, and of culture - now.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Jim Waterson @jim.londoncentric.media · 24/02/2026
Asif Aziz's Criterion Capital halts mass eviction after London Centric uncovered what was going on. Hundreds of Londoners now receiving bizarre door-to-door visits blaming misinformation and being asked to record videos saying they don't want to be evicted. www.londoncentric.media/p/asif-aziz-...
londoncentric.media
Billionaire halts mass eviction after London Centric investigation
Exclusive: Asif Aziz's Criterion Capital hoped to replace hundreds of tenants with more lucrative temporary accommodation. That plan has been shelved – for now.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
London CLT @londonclt.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Scylla Road / New James Court gets Cabinet approval 🎉 12 affordable homes + shared green space in Southwark, in long-term community ownership via London CLT. Thanks @helendennis.bsky.social. Local? Join the Steering Group info@londonclt.org. #AffordableHousing #Southwark #CommunityLandTrust
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
The Independent @the-independent.com · 25/01/2026
The people who have died amid Trump’s immigration crackdown
independent.co.uk
The people who have died amid Trump’s immigration crackdown
The people who have died amid Trump’s immigration crackdown
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Henry Mance @henrymance.ft.com · 25/01/2026
Western countries are hitting refugees twice: they are making it harder to claim asylum *and* they are cutting aid to troubled regions. I went to Sudan, the world's worst humanitarian situation, where the UN refugee agency has had to cut half its staff. Please have a read: as.ft.com/r/df593f1e-e...
as.ft.com
Adapt, shrink or die: the global crisis in humanitarian aid
[FREE TO READ] On the road in Sudan with the UN’s outgoing High Commissioner for Refugees
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
LabourList @labourlist.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
‼️ LABOURLIST EXC: 💬 "I think stitch ups are not the thing that the Labour Party should be doing" - Miatta Fahnbulleh gives her thoughts on whether Andy Burnham should be allowed to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election 👀 🔴 Watch to see her full response...
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
George Eaton @georgeeaton.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
Sadiq Khan calls for progressives to “fight back and champion the benefits of legal migration” in Fabian conference speech. He warns of the “construction sector grinding to a halt, care homes left understaffed, our universities badly hit, and even greater challenges for the national finances”.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 21/01/2026
‘Nostalgia is not a strategy’: Mark Carney is emerging as the unflinching realist ready to tackle Trump
theguardian.com
‘Nostalgia is not a strategy’: Mark Carney is emerging as the unflinching realist ready to tackle Trump
In a speech at Davos, written by Carney himself, the Canadian prime minister laid out his doctrine for a world of fractured international norms
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Very excited about this work being taken forward 👇🏼
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 20/01/2026
Key workers deserve homes they can afford in the city they serve. That’s why I’m proud to launch my Key Worker Living Rent scheme, which will help NHS staff, firefighters and others into affordable homes for long-term rent, saving potentially thousands of pounds each year.
Graphic from the Mayor of London with the headline “Great news” and large text reading “Key workers to benefit from 6,000 new rent controlled homes”.  A smiling key worker in a burgundy uniform stands holding a phone, with rows of London homes blurred in the background.
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Brilliant to be celebrating these 8 new modular homes in Bermondsey with @sezking78.bsky.social to support rough sleepers move into settled accommodation. Expanding our Housing First programme and with more on their way! Important @southwarklabour.bsky.social work to tackle homelessness.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Not for the first time, where other European leaders wring their hands over Trump, Spain’s Sánchez draws a line. A stance that is only looking more sensible (more *realistic*) as time goes on.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
James Ball @jamesrball.com · 03/01/2026
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts. Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Mainstream @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Mainstream's Interim Council sends its congratulations to Andrea Egan on her election as General Secretary of @unison.org.uk.
Mainstream’s Interim Council sends its congratulations to Andrea Egan on her election as General Secretary of UNISON.

This result shows clearly that vast swathes of Labour’s historic coalition feel the Party has fallen out of step with its mainstream.

By working hand in hand with our partners in the trade union movement, the Labour Party has ushered in huge advances for working people before and it can do so again - but only if the Party rediscovers its progressive instincts.

We look forward to working with Andrea and all those who share our commitment to a more open Labour Party with the energy and ideas to transform the country.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Southwark Council @lb-southwark.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Big news for Tustin Estate! The next phase of our estate renewal will provide new council homes earlier than planned, a major boost for local residents. We’re committed to becoming a good landlord and providing decent homes for local people. southwark.gov.uk/news/2025/so...
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
Southwark Council & community partners have issued the following statement affirming our commitments to being a Borough of Sanctuary and raising concerns about some of the recent immigration proposals. Please do read & share: www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2025/al...
southwark.gov.uk
Always a Borough of Sanctuary | Southwark Council
A statement from the Leader & Deputy Leader of Southwark Council and local community champions.
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
This is brilliant from @hannahmerich.bsky.social ahead of the budget writing for @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social on the imperative to scrap the 2 child benefit limit and a call for moral courage at the heart of governing: www.mainstreamlabour.org/blog/moral-c...
mainstreamlabour.org
Mainstream
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Why the two-child limit has to go, in a chart.
A chart showing child poverty in the UK increasing sharply if the two child limit remains in place, and falling if it is scrapped.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Tom Copley @tomcopley.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
The Mayor and London boroughs are acting to protect rough sleepers from freezing temperatures. ❄️ SWEP is activated whenever temperatures are forecast to drop to 0°C 🚨 Boroughs and charities will open additional emergency accommodation 🛌 City Hall also makes spaces available.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Tony Vaughan KC MP @tonyvaughanmp.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
The Prime Minister said in September that we are at a fork in the road. These asylum proposals suggest we have taken the wrong turning. The idea that recognised refugees need to be deported is wrong. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Miatta Fahnbulleh @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Great energy at @coopparty.party.coop #CoopConf25 as we celebrate the brilliant work of our Community Britain campaign. Loved the conversation about Grassroots Growth and how we deliver change that people can see and feel in their lives through community power and cooperation.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Stella Creasy MP @stellacreasy.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Leaving those who flee persecution or their kids in limbo- either when making a claim or when they try to rebuild lives- is not just cruel. It’s counterproductive to integration & costly to all. Asylum reform needs to be both effective & ethical. And those of us not frightened to fight for it.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Sunder Katwala (sundersays) @sundersays.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
"The era of permanent protection is over" Is this Labour government really saying it was wrong in principle to let these refugees of the last 75 years to stay, settle and become British - and they believe that should NEVER happen again in principle or practice? www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiuR...
youtube.com
Refugees from 7 decades gather to commemorate 70 years of refugee in protection in the UK
YouTube video by Refugee Council
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Mainstream @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
🌹Mainstream's Interim Council sends its congratulations to @lucympowell.bsky.social, whom we endorsed after a ballot of our members. This result must mark a shift toward a broader, bolder politics within Labour - so that we can build a democratic socialist programme to inspire the country.
Mainstream’s Interim Council sends its congratulations to Labour’s new Deputy Leader, Lucy Powell, whom we endorsed after a ballot of our members.

Lucy ran a positive campaign advocating for pluralism, democracy and a cultural course correction, pledging to bring members, affiliates and communities into Labour’s decision-making. Ending the two-child benefit limit, which we campaigned for at this year’s party conference, was also central to her campaign.

Lucy’s victory today is a win for Labour’s mainstream. It shows that the majority of our movement wants Labour to be open, participatory and inclusive. Members have rejected the hyper-factional, top-down culture culpable for the missteps of our first year in government. The failed experiment in political centralisation being pursued by a tiny group at the top of the party must now end. The low turnout in this contest is a sign of the disillusionment and plummeting morale that this culture is provoking.

The result of the Caerphilly by-election, where Labour went from first to third place, is a straw in the wind of what will happen next May and in the 2029 General Election unless the party has a major reset.  

This result must mark a shift toward a broader, bolder politics within Labour. Only then will we be able to construct a transformative, democratic socialist programme for the country. Mainstream will organise to make this a reality. The alternative is a Reform-led government.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 24/09/2025
The Bakerloop is here. A brand-new electric express bus service connecting communities from Waterloo to Lewisham. Launching on Saturday 27 September, we’re offering one week of free travel on the Bakerloop so Londoners can see for themselves how it could transform their everyday journeys.
Graphic from the Mayor of London reads: "Breaking: the Bakerloop is here and it's free for a week." Includes images of two bus routes, one to Lewisham and one to Waterloo, along with the new Bakerloop bus.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 23/09/2025
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again. Ignore the haters, London is the 🐐
Graphic with the headline “London is the greatest city in the world” set against a bright view of the River Thames with the Shard, Tower Bridge and the city skyline.

The text celebrates what makes London special: regularly voted the number one city in the world, incredible diversity with over 300 languages spoken, world-class transport, world leader in finance tech and life sciences, best museums and galleries many free to visit, world-leading nightlife, food sport and music for every taste, host to the world’s best sporting events, home to seven Premier League clubs, globally-ranked universities, a city where you can be yourself and love who you love, and a place for everyone.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Central London Forward @clfnews.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
At LREF yesterday, CLF hosted a panel discussion with @brendadacres.bsky.social, @helendennis.bsky.social & others on the Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension. The panel discussed current progress, funding options and the project’s role in enabling new housing, jobs and growth in Central London.
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Southwark Council @lb-southwark.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Action to divest the Southwark Pension Fund from conflict and genocide - statement from Southwark Council. For full details of the four actions the council will take please find out more via the link below. www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2025/ac...
quote regarding pension divestment from leader of Southwark Council Sarah King
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
It's probably time I let people know that I've made the tough decision not to stand again for election in May 2026. It's been a great privilege to serve as Labour & Co-op Cllr for Chaucer Ward for the last 10 years and lots still to get done before May!
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
The Independent @the-independent.com · 11/08/2025
GAZA LATEST 🔴 ▪️ ‘No credible evidence’ Al Jazeera journalist killed in targeted Israeli strike was part of Hamas ▪️ Israel admits to targeting Anas Al-Sharif ▪️ Netanyahu vows to ‘finish the job’ in planned takeover of Gaza ▪️ AJ journalist's final message: 'Israel has succeeded in killing me'
independent.co.uk
Gaza latest: ‘No credible evidence’ slain Al Jazeera journalist was part of Hamas
Israel admits to targeting Anas Al-Sharif alleging he was 'posing as journalist'
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Mike Buckley @mdbuckley.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
If ‘the West’ doesn’t act soon there won’t be any Gazans left to save. The fact there are no easy solutions does not excuse us from finding one, and from finding it now. www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
theguardian.com
Mass starvation spreading across Gaza, aid agencies warn, as pressure on Israel grows – Middle East crisis live
More than 100 aid agencies, including Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Oxfam, say ‘our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away’
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
An excellent & thought-provoking day today at the Fabian Society Housing Mission Summit. Brilliant sessions on skills, homelessness & long-term housing strategy and caught up with some fantastic London Labour colleagues.
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
. @rachaelmaskell.bsky.social is one of the best 🌹
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Southwark Council @lb-southwark.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Southwark Council has released the following statement following the 15 July planning committee meeting to discuss the Aylesham site in Peckham www.southwark.gov.uk/news/2025/so...
Southwark Council has released the following statement following the 15 July planning committee meeting to discuss the Aylesham site in Peckham
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Reposted by Helen Dennis
Lewis Goodall @lewisgoodall.com · 07/07/2025
A truly chilling report. The Israeli Defence Minister has is asking the IDF to draw up plans to force 600,000 Palestinians in Gaza into a camp on the ruins of Rafah- something he’s calling a “humanitarian city.” Once in they wouldn’t be allowed to leave. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/j...
theguardian.com
Israeli plan for forced transfer of Gaza’s population ‘a blueprint for crimes against humanity’
Military ordered to turn ruins of Rafah into ‘humanitarian city’ but experts call the plan an internment camp for all Palestinians in Gaza
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
A pleasure to be at the Foreign Office this morning supporting the launch of the UK's approach to Freedom of Religion or Belief, the fruit of work led by David Smith MP. Such an important strand of human rights work with the situation worsening in so many places around the globe.
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Well worth reading the whole thread below. Focus for new AHP on social rent homes, exempting new build council homes from Right to Buy for 35 years & allowing councils to combine RtB receipts with grant - game changer...
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
A Timms Review from the outset on a sensible timetable could have been a fine thing. Listen, co-produce, build consensus. We need to build an effective & sustainable system but welfare reform is far too important to be rushed...
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Congratulations to my Cabinet colleague and friend @jamesmcash.bsky.social on his election as Leader of Southwark Labour. He will be our nomination for Leader of the Council next week and I know he will work tirelessly to deliver a fairer & healthier Southwark 👏👏👏
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Helen Dennis @helendennis.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Brilliant news that Southwark has been rated 3rd best single tier council for climate action in the whole of the UK! And top performer on planning & land use - proud of everyone involved! @johnbatteson.bsky.social
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