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Ministers and senior MPs have issued warnings that the United Kingdom's recent agreements with the US administration are "built on sand." This stems from revelations that a so-called "milestone" deal on drug pricing, which commits to zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS facing higher prices, lacks any underlying contract beyond limited headline terms contained within government press releases.

Lacking Legal Footing

The deal on drug tariffs, hailed 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 frame the deal in divergent terms. The British version celebrates securing "duty-free access" as a unique achievement, while the American announcement highlights the agreement for the NHS to pay 25% more for new medications.

"We face a genuine possibility that the UK government has made commitments to raise drug prices in return for only a assurance from President Trump," commented David Henig, a trade policy analyst. "We know he has a record of not honouring his word."

Wider Concerns Amidst a Suspended Agreement

Worries have been amplified by Washington's recent decision to pause the £31bn "tech prosperity deal", which was previously described as "a generational step-change" in the bilateral relationship. The US cited a failure to advance from the UK on lowering trade barriers as the reason for the pause.

In a separate development, concessions promised for British farmers as part of an earlier tariff deal have not been formally approved by the US, despite a imminent January deadline. "It is our belief that the US has not yet signed off the agreed beef export quotas," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Uncertainty Among Officials

In confidential discussions, ministers have admitted unease that the government's US-UK accords are unstable and unpredictable. One minister reportedly said 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, argued: "The only thing more surprising than the administration's tactics is the UK government's naive belief that his administration is a reliable partner. The NHS is not a bargaining chip."

Government Downplays Risks, Points to Gains

Officials have downplayed the possibility of the US backing out of the pharmaceuticals deal. One source indicated the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been pushing for the agreement, wanting clarity on imports and pricing, making it of tangible value than the paused tech deal.

Officials concede that instability is part and parcel of dealing with the Trump administration. However, they maintain that the UK has obtained tangible results for businesses, such as lower steel tariffs compared to other nations. "The fact we have 25% steel tariffs, which is lower than the rate for the rest of the world, is not flimsy," one official said.

However, problems have emerged in carrying out the May tariff agreement. Promised reciprocal agricultural allowances have not materialized, and the pledge to "reduce steel tariffs to zero" has not been fulfilled, with tariffs staying at 25%.

As negotiations continue, the two sides have scheduled to restart talks on the suspended digital agreement in January, following what were described as "very positive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.