Elected officials have expressed alarm that the United Kingdom's recent agreements with the US administration are "lacking a solid foundation." This stems from revelations that a so-called "milestone" deal on drug pricing, which commits to zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS increasing its costs, lacks any formal legal text beyond vague headline terms outlined by government press releases.
A Deal Without Detail
The arrangement concerning medicines, described as a "generational" achievement, exists as an "statement of intent" without a signed legal text. It has been highlighted that the public statements from the UK and US governments frame the deal in markedly contrasting terms. The British version emphasizes securing "zero per cent tariffs" as a unique achievement, while the American announcement highlights the commitment for the NHS to pay significantly more for new medications.
"We face a genuine possibility that the UK government has made commitments to raise drug prices in return for nothing more than a pledge from President Trump," said David Henig, a trade expert. "History shows he has a record of not keeping promises."
A Pattern of Unreliability
Worries have been intensified by Washington's action to put on ice the £31bn "tech prosperity deal", which was previously called "a transformative pact" in the bilateral relationship. The US claimed a lack of progress from the UK on addressing wider trade issues as the reason for the pause.
Additionally, concessions secured for British farmers as part of an May trade agreement have still not been formally signed off by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "Our understanding is that the US has not yet signed off the reciprocal tariff rate quota," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.
Uncertainty Among Officials
Behind the scenes, ministers have expressed concerns that the government's deals with Washington are unstable and unpredictable. One minister reportedly said the series of agreements as "built on sand," while another described the situation as the "prevailing condition" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "additional layers of volatility and unpredictability."
Layla Moran, a senior MP on the health committee, remarked: "What is even more astonishing than Trump's temper tantrums is the UK government's credulous faith that his administration is a reliable partner. The NHS is too precious to be gambled with."
Government Downplays Risks, Points to Gains
Government figures have sought to reduce the risk of the US reneging on the pharmaceuticals deal. One source suggested the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been advocating for the agreement, wanting clarity on imports and pricing, making it more concrete than the paused tech deal.
Officials concede that instability is part and parcel of dealing with the current US leadership. However, they argue that the UK has achieved real benefits for businesses, such as reduced duties on automobiles compared to other nations. "Our achievement of 25% steel tariffs, which is better than the rate for the rest of the world, is not flimsy," one official said.
However, problems have arisen in implementing the initial US-UK accord. Promised reciprocal agricultural allowances have failed to be approved, and the pledge to "reduce steel tariffs to zero" has remains unmet, with tariffs staying at 25%.
Moving forward, the two sides have agreed to resume talks on the suspended digital agreement in January, following what were described as "productive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.