This blog was last updated on June 27, 2021

The first Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union have officially been scheduled for June 19. In preparation, the 27 remaining Member States have unanimously agreed on a set of guidelines that prioritize safeguarding the rights of EU citizens within the UK and obtaining a ‘single financial settlement’ for outstanding British contributions to common funds. Meanwhile, UK Conservatives are preparing for a June 8 special election – called in part to drum up support for the government’s negotiating position – by promising not to increase the rate of Value Added Tax after Brexit. This promise is part of a larger manifesto to keep taxes “as low as possible” and demonstrate “strong and stable leadership” during negotiations.