iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Ruth Fox

Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 4h

NEW: What does it take to get things done at Westminster? Johnny Mercer joins us to discuss PMQs, party whips, select committees and his new book, No Way to Run a Country. A candid conversation about how Parliament works and what needs to change. 🎧 buff.ly/RDK4dLr

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

🧵The House of Commons administration plans to abolish its world leading parliamentary outreach team. @aileenwalker.bsky.social & @estrangeirada.bsky.social explain why cutting in person public engagement across the UK in favour of digital only engagement is a mistake. Blog 🔗⬇️

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Alice Lilly @aliceolilly.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

On byelections, writs, and timetables. 1. For a by-election to be held, a writ (a document calling for an election to take place in a particular constituency) needs to be sent to the constituency returning officer who will oversee the election.

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

🧵 Amid all the speculation about Nigel Farage's 2pm statement, it's worth noting paragraph 40 of the Procedural Protocol to the MPs' Code of Conduct. If he announces he's resigning and seeking a by-election, that would not automatically end the investigation into whether he breached the Code in...

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

192 Urgent Questions were granted in the last parliamentary session (2024–26). The relevant Secretary of State answered just 14% of them. Which departments faced the most Urgent Questions - and who was answering them? Read the latest analysis by @ruxandrasrbn.bsky.social ⬇️ buff.ly/8DYfiiH

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Are there too many Urgent Questions in the House of Commons?

Urgent Questions have grown substantially since 2010 and are now a routine feature of House of Commons business. In this blog, Ruxandra Serban analyses the scale of that growth, which departments…

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

🧵 £1.15 trillion. That's how much public spending MPs will be asked to approve this week when they debate and vote on the Main Estimates. Find out more in our latest Parliament Matters Bulletin - the essential guide to the week ahead in Westminster. Link in next post below👇

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

NEW podcast episode: 10 years after the Brexit referendum we talk to historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social about why it unleashed a full-blown democratic crisis and why Parliament and the major political parties appear to have learned so little from the experience. 🎧 👇 buff.ly/Ebc11iE

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

1/ 97 years ago Margaret Bondfield was appointed as the first woman Cabinet Minister. She is one of the most overlooked figures in British political history. A trade unionist who became the first woman in the British Cabinet, she took office just as the Great Depression struck. 🧵👇

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Matthew England @matthewengland.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

The Government has tabled the motion naming this session's 13 sitting Fridays for Private Member's Bills. 4 September 11 September 16 October 13 November 27 November 4 December 15 January (2027) 29 January 5 February 26 February 5 March 12 March 19 March

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

1/ What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 👇 Private Members’ Bill ballot — will one of the successful MPs revive the assisted dying bill? Select Committee hearings on: • the security of undersea cables • the role of the OBR • the Afghan data breach & superinjunction

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Just going to leave this excellent podcast episode with @robertsaunders.bsky.social here. No particular reason.😂 But worth a listen tonight, because the person in the office is only part of the problem. www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

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Robert Saunders @robertsaunders.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

The UK may soon have a 7th prime minister in just 10 years. Before 2016 the UK had 8 PMs in 52 years. Whether it's the calibre of those appointed, the preparation they receive or the conditions of the job, something is badly wrong. We discussed what here. www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

hansardsociety.org.uk

Is being Prime Minister an impossible job? - Parliament Matters podcast, Episode 121

Why do UK Prime Ministers seem to burn out so quickly? We are joined by historian Robert Saunders to examine why the role has become so punishing in recent years. From Brexit and COVID to fractured pa...

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

WEDNESDAY: What's on Parliament's agenda today? ❓ Prime Minister's Questions 💰 Pension Schemes Bill (Lords amendments) 🏛️ Peers expected to pass English Devolution Bill 📄 Select committee hearing on WPQs More detail below 🔽 buff.ly/8QBUm5k

hansardsociety.org.uk

Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 13-16 April 2026

Ministerial Statements are expected on developments during the recess, particularly in the Middle East and on Russian submarine activity. The English Devolution Bill completes its final Lords stages,…

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Today the House of Lords is debating motions relating to a 'Statement of Changes' to the Immigration Rules. We discussed the legislative process for changing the Immigration Rules in a recent episode of our podcast. www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

🧵 Two e-petitions debated in the House of Commons yesterday - each signed by more than 100K people - show a notable contrast when mapped geographically. The e-petition calling for "statutory menstrual leave for people with endometriosis and adenomyosis" attracted support from across the UK. 1/3

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

There’s a lot of confusion right now among journalists and MP about secondary legislation and what a possible EU deal would mean. A quick thread to clear a few things up on votes, Henry VIII powers & parliamentary scrutiny. 🧵 1/ First: what is a “normal parliamentary vote”?

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

NEW: Parliament returns this week. What will MPs and Peers be debating and voting on? Our weekly Bulletin is out now. Find out what your Parliament is doing, when and why. [Link to the full Bulletin is in the next post⬇️]

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

1/ The timeline for the appointment of the new Armed Forces Commissioner is extraordinary: 3 March: submits CV to MoD 13 March: interviewed online by Defence Secretary 14 March: offered job 25 March: @CommonsDefence Select Cmtt pre-appointment hearing 1 April: assumes legal duties

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

🎧 NEW EPISODE: The King’s Speech is set for 13 May — just as we predicted on the podcast last Autumn! But with just a dozen or so sitting days left after Easter, which Bills will make it through Parliament… and which are in trouble? Link to listen is in the next post👇

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

TUESDAY: What's on the agenda in Parliament? 🔵 Final Conservative Opposition Day this session 🗳️ Elections bill begins Committee Stage ⛑️ International Development Committee questions Foreign Secretary on international aid More detail below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

hansardsociety.org.uk

Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 23-27 March 2026

The Prime Minister will face questions from the Liaison Committee, comprising Select Committee chairs. The Conservatives will choose the topic for Tuesday’s Opposition Day debate, while the Home…

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

📣This Week in Parliament — 23-27 March 2026 In the latest Parliament Matters Bulletin, we preview the key debates, bills, amendments, and committee scrutiny shaping Westminster this week. Highlights include... 🧵 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

hansardsociety.org.uk

Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 23-27 March 2026

The Prime Minister will face questions from the Liaison Committee, comprising Select Committee chairs. The Conservatives will choose the topic for Tuesday’s Opposition Day debate, while the Home…

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

A recurring pattern in UK politics. Labour in opposition: Parliament must scrutinise treaties and trade agreements properly. Labour in government: the current system works fine. Today's House of Lords debate (16 March) on treaty scrutiny will highlight the problem.

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

PODCAST 🎧️ In the latest episode of our podcast, we're joined by former Director of Public Prosecutions Lord (Ken) Macdonald. We discuss the Government's plans to restrict the right to jury trial, and the Bill's road ahead in the Commons and Lords. 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

📣This Week in Parliament — 16-20 March 2026 In the latest Parliament Matters Bulletin, we preview the key debates, bills, amendments, and committee scrutiny shaping Westminster this week. Highlights include... 🧵 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Karoline "von Clausewitz" Leavitt unveils a revolutionary new doctrine of war: Schrödinger's Surrender - where the enemy has already surrendered, they just don't know it yet. Press Briefing Victory™

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Give the international situation the parliamentary Estimate debates today taken on additional significance, particularly those for the Foreign Office & Ministry of Defence. ⬇️

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

🧵1/Tomorrow (4 March), MPs will vote on in-year spending changes the House of Commons Library calls “significant by historical standards”. Through the Supplementary Estimates, the Government is seeking an extra £36.9bn (+6.8%) in day-to-day spending.

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

MONDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 🌍 Statement on Middle East situation 🟢 Introduction of new MP Hannah Spencer expected 🗳️ Representation of the People Bill (2nd Reading) 📜 E-petition on local election cancellations Read more below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

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Dr Adam Evans @a-b-evans.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

For fans of parliamentary procedure *and* those nostalgic for the Brexit era, there are a pair of interesting opposition day motions on the Commons order paper today - a humble address (Andrew M-W) & a motion to set aside SO No14 for the day to consider a Bill (online services (age restrictions)

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

📅 TUESDAY: What’s coming up in Parliament today? Today's events include a Lib Dem Opposition Day, a motion relating to OBR assessments, Health & Social Care questions, and the Bank of England governor at a select committee. Full details 👇 🔗 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

hansardsociety.org.uk

Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 23-27 February 2026

MPs will debate the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; changes to the Charter for Budget Responsibility; student loan repayments; support for bereaved children; and St David’s Day.…

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

🚨 Parliament returns on Monday — are you ready? Tomorrow we publish our latest Parliament Matters Bulletin — your essential weekly briefing on what's happening in Westminster. 🔎 What’s topping the agenda ⚖️ Key legislation to watch Start each week ahead of the curve. Sign up 👇 buff.ly/vtkJnYc

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Parliament Matters Bulletin: Our weekly analysis of what’s coming up in Parliament

Latest edition: 9-12 February 2026 Westminster is always buzzing with political drama and rumours, but whatever the daily gossip or latest crisis, law-making and parliamentary scrutiny carries on…

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Reposted by Ruth Fox

Alexandra Meakin @ameakin.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

And here's the costed proposals for Restoration and Renewal. Two options recommended: full decant and EMI+. Full decant will be cheaper and quicker - staying in the Palace during the works will means it takes up to 61 years and costs up to £18.7bn. Full link committees.parliament.uk/publications...

Recommended Options Discounted Options
Full decant EMI + Continued Presence EMI
Total Programme
duration
19–24 years 38–61 years 33–45 years 52–84 years
Total Programme cost
(including optimism
bias and risk but
excluding inflation and
opportunities)
£8.4–11.5bn £11.8–18.7bn £9.7–13.7bn £12.0–19.4bn
Average annual
cost (excluding
opportunities)
£440–490m £310–310m £290–300m £230–230m
Highest annual
cost (including
opportunities)
£600–760m £430–530m £460–620m £360–410m
Total Programme cost
(including optimism
bias and risk and
inflation but excluding
opportunities)
£11.1–15.6bn £19.5–39.2bn £14.4–22bn £23.3–56.3bn
Net present cost £4.2–5.7bn £5.1–6.6bn £4.6–6.4bn £4.5–5.5bn
House of Commons
Chamber decant period
8–10 years For up to two years
to the House of
Lords Chamber
11–15 years to the
House of Lords
Chamber
The Chambers are
not expected to be
decanted.
House of Lords Chamber
decant period
12–15 years 8–13 years 24–33 years
Parliamentary business Delivered with
changes in the
location and
proximity of spaces
and services
which will require
consideration
of new ways
of working.
Delivered with changes in the location and proximity of
spaces and services which will require consideration
of new ways of working.
For areas of continued occupancy there is a risk of later need
for an unplanned decant, including for core parliamentary
business functions (such as the Chambers or services directly
supporting them) if disruption becomes intolerable.

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

NEW: Can the #AssistedDying bill be forced through Parliament using the Parliament Act? With the Lords facing nearly 1,200 amendments and time running out, Lord Falconer has raised the stakes. 🎧 Our new episode of Parliament Matters explores how it could work. buff.ly/ldf3eFZ

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

This afternoon, independent MP @shockatadam.bsky.social will seek to present a Ten Minute Rule Bill to make provision about the detection, treatment and monitoring of glaucoma. What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill and how do they become law? Our guide explains🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/publications...

hansardsociety.org.uk

What is a Ten Minute Rule Bill?

Ten Minute Rule Bills are essentially policy aims put into legislative language in order to secure a 10-minute speaking slot during 'primetime' in the House of Commons Chamber after Question Time on…

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

TUESDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 🌍 Foreign Secretary faces oral questions 📜 Diego Garcia Bill returns to the Commons 🪖 Former Defence Secretaries give evidence on Afghan data breach Read more below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

hansardsociety.org.uk

Parliament Matters Bulletin: What’s coming up in Parliament this week? 19-23 January 2026

Labour MPs may stage a backbench rebellion in the Commons over amendments to the Hillsborough Law (the Public Office (Accountability) Bill). MPs will also debate changes to four other bills. The…

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

WEDNESDAY: What is coming up in Parliament today? 🪖 Debate on Ukraine, replacing re-scheduled debate on Hillsborough Law ❓ Prime Minister's Questions 🎓 Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill begins Lords Report Stage Read more below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

The Select Committee Chairs’ letter below highlights the @electoralcommission.org.uk's concerns about cryptocurrency donations. Its Chair, John Pullinger, discussed these and wider risks in the upcoming Elections Bill on our latest @hansardsociety.bsky.social podcast. 🎧 Listen: buff.ly/j3jZKbV

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

🧵Sky News has a piece running today about a big increase in written parliamentary questions. @samcoatessky.bsky.social says a senior government source has suggested MPs may be using AI to submit written questions to ministers. news.sky.com/story/number...

news.sky.com

Number of written questions to government departments doubles in a year

A senior government source has suggested MPs may be using AI to submit written questions to ministers.

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

🧵If the Government goes ahead with legislation granting "sweeping powers" to align parts of the UK economy with EU rules - dynamically or otherwise - MPs should insist on a dedicated EU select committee to hold Ministers to account. 1/

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

NEW: How much power does the monarchy really have today? 🤔 We are joined by author & former royal correspondent Valentine Low to explore the Palace, Parliament and power - from Queen Victoria to Boris Johnson. 🎧 Listen now 👉 buff.ly/opCKZCu

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Lots of people don’t know the difference between Government and Parliament. Disappointing to learn US State Department officials are among them. Constitutional literacy: still an existential security concern.😉

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Absolutely! Back when BBC Parliament did wall-to-wall, serious coverage, Christmas Day regularly pulled in its best ratings of the year. Proof that we’re happily indulging the political nerd instinct - even (especially?) on one of the biggest holidays of the year. And it really was great fun.

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

🎙️ NEW: Is being Prime Minister now an impossible job? 🤯 We are joined by historian @robertsaunders.bsky.social from the @mileendinstitute.bsky.social to unpack why recent PMs burn out so fast: Brexit, COVID, new media pressure, and a broken leadership pipeline. 🎧 Listen: buff.ly/bhvHQf6

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Interesting development on the #AssistedDying bill. Lord Falconer, the bill's sponsor has a motion listed on the House of Lords Order Paper for Thu 8 Jan (the day before the next Cmtt stage debate) calling for "further time" for consideration of the Bill.

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UCL Constitution Unit @conunitucl.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

The government should have acted to regulate appointments through its House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill. Amendments to limit new peers and cap the chamber's size at 650 (the size of the Commons) were proposed, but rejected. Change is badly needed. constitution-unit.com/2025/07/01/1...

constitution-unit.com

10 reasons why the hereditary peers bill should be amended to constrain Prime Ministerial patronage and the size of the House of Lords

The government’s House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill reaches its report stage in the chamber this week – presenting a serious moment for possible amendments. Meg Russell argues that peers should…

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

🎙️ New episode: What really happens after Budget Day? (Yes — there really are 101 Ways and Means resolutions…) 🧾 How the Budget becomes the Finance Bill 🇪🇺 @lordrickettsp.bsky.social on dynamic alignment with the EU 🔟 More sitting Fridays for the assisted dying bill 🔗 Listen ⤵️ buff.ly/M6S6kdP

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

1/ It’s Budget Day - so why does the Deputy Speaker, in their capacity as Chair of Ways and Means usually preside over the debate? The story goes back to the 17th century, when MPs feared the Speaker was too close to the Crown, especially on matters of money.

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Ruth Fox @ruthfox.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

In a world of rising instability, with ministers and military leaders warning of growing conflict risks, parliamentary oversight of the armed forces is more vital than ever. This event with international expert @plagasse.bsky.social will be interesting. Sign up 👇

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Hansard Society @hansardsociety.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

TUESDAY: What's coming up in Parliament today? 🪖 Debate on new Northern Ireland Troubles legislation 🌍 Chagos Islands legislation begins Lords Committee Stage 🔋 Energy Secretary faces oral questions More detail below 🔽 www.hansardsociety.org.uk/news/parliam...

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