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Elected officials have expressed alarm that the United Kingdom's recent agreements with the US administration are "built on sand." This comes after revelations that a so-called "milestone" deal on drug pricing, which promises zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS facing higher prices, lacks any underlying contract beyond limited headline terms published in government press releases.

An Agreement in Principle Only

The deal on drug tariffs, promoted as a "generational" achievement, is still an "agreement in principle" without formal ratification. Critics have noted that the press releases from the UK and US governments present the deal in sharply different terms. The British version celebrates securing "zero per cent tariffs" as a singular success, while the American announcement highlights the expectation for the NHS to pay 25% more for new medications.

"The danger exists that the UK government has agreed to terms to raise drug prices in return for only a verbal promise from President Trump," said David Henig, a trade expert. "We know he has form for not honouring his word."

Wider Concerns Amidst a Suspended Agreement

Concerns have been heightened by Washington's move to put on ice the major technology agreement, which was previously called "a generational step-change" in the bilateral relationship. The US pointed to a insufficient movement from the UK on addressing wider trade issues as the reason for the pause.

In a separate development, concessions agreed to for British farmers as part of an May trade agreement have still not been formally approved by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "We have been informed that that the US has not yet signed off the agreed beef export quotas," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Anxiety Behind Closed Doors

Behind the scenes, ministers have expressed concerns that the government's US-UK accords are lacking substance. One minister described the series of agreements as "resting on shaky ground," while another framed the situation as the "new normal" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "increased uncertainty and instability."

Layla Moran, chair of the health select committee, remarked: "Perhaps most shocking than the administration's tactics is the UK government's naive belief that his administration is a reliable partner. The NHS is of vital importance."

A Mixed Picture of Success and Setback

Government figures have sought to reduce the chances of the US backing out of the pharmaceuticals deal. One source suggested the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been lobbying for the agreement, seeking certainty on imports and pricing, making it of tangible value than the paused tech deal.

Officials acknowledge that unpredictability is part and parcel of dealing with the Trump administration. However, they maintain that the UK has secured concrete outcomes for businesses, such as lower steel tariffs compared to other nations. "Our achievement of 25% steel tariffs, which is more favorable than the rate for the rest of the world, is a concrete advantage," one official said.

Nevertheless, issues have arisen in implementing the May tariff agreement. Promised quotas on beef exports have failed to be approved, and the pledge to "reduce steel tariffs to zero" has remains unmet, with tariffs fixed at 25%.

Moving forward, the two sides have agreed to resume talks on the suspended digital agreement in January, following what were described as "constructive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.