Yesterday, the much publicised Estates Taxation Adjustment Act was passed by a small majority by the Wizengamot. Nicknamed the Pureblood Taxation Act by some, it will raise the tax on all estates valued in the top 10% of the market including members of peerage. In general, 85% of these households are from pureblood families leading many to believe that the act was a direct attack against purebloods.
Leaving the Ministry, Minister Dumbledore was enthusiastic about the acts passing. "It is a great sign for the future of British society," the Minister said with a smile upon his face. "It is a time for true equality. For too long the large estates have been avoiding taxation and this is merely adjusting the balance that has been absent for too long."
However, others have not shared his enthusiasm. Many have tossed away the act saying it is purely discriminatory. One notable member of the nobility remarked, "Just because he is a half blood and has no idea about our customs does not mean he has to destroy our way of life. Not that any of us are surprised."
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It has been confirmed by the Auror Office, that the organisation known as the Death Eaters were involved in the attack on Phoenix Palace. It is still unknown how they broke through the palace's protection, but once they did a series of duels broke out between the invaders and palace guards. Leading to the death of two and three being hospitalised.
No details have been provided about how they managed to get close enough to the King to injure him.
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In a statement to a crowded Atrium last night, the Minister made a decisive statement about the attack against the Monarchy. "The Death Eaters and the man who calls himself a Lord are a risk and a threat. There is no doubt about that," he said decisively to a hushed audience. "However, we are not powerless. Every one of us has something we can do. It need not matter if we are muggleborn, half blood or pureblood. If we are noble, commoner or even royalty. These factors do not matter. All that matters is that we know what is right and that we choose to make a stand against things when they are wrong and unjust."
While some of these statements were taken with considerable apprehension by the watchers (though it must be said his comments about muggleborns being equal have raised eyebrows for years), it did not stop the Minister who continued without pause. "I express my sympathies to our King and Queen, but they are merely just another victim in this tragedy. The next day it could be anyone. It need not matter who is a victim. It is always a tragedy.
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