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Ministers and senior MPs have expressed alarm that the United Kingdom's recent agreements with Donald Trump are "lacking a solid foundation." This follows revelations that a so-called "milestone" deal on pharmaceutical tariffs, which commits to zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS facing higher prices, lacks any underlying contract beyond broad headline terms outlined by government press releases.

A Deal Without Detail

The US-UK pharmaceuticals agreement, described as a "landmark" achievement, remains an "agreement in principle" without detailed provisions. It has been highlighted that the public statements from the UK and US governments describe the deal in markedly contrasting terms. The British version celebrates securing "duty-free access" as a unique achievement, while the American announcement dwells on the commitment for the NHS to pay higher prices for new medications.

"The danger exists that the UK government has promised concessions to raise drug prices in return for nothing more than a pledge from President Trump," said David Henig, a trade policy analyst. "We know he has a record of not honouring his word."

Broader Instability and a Paused Tech Deal

Worries have been intensified by Washington's move to put on ice the major technology agreement, which was previously described as "a generational step-change" in the bilateral relationship. The US claimed a insufficient movement from the UK on lowering trade barriers as the reason for the pause.

Furthermore, concessions promised for British farmers as part of an earlier tariff deal have still not been formally signed off by the US, despite a looming January deadline. "We have been informed that that the US has not yet signed off the reciprocal tariff rate quota," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Private Ministerial Concerns

Privately, ministers have admitted unease that the government's agreements with the US are flimsy and unreliable. One minister was quoted as stating the series of agreements as "built on sand," while another framed the situation as the "current reality" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "greater risk and fluctuation."

Layla Moran, chair of the health select committee, stated: "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 not a bargaining chip."

Government Downplays Risks, Points to Gains

Officials have downplayed the risk of the US withdrawing from the pharmaceuticals deal. One source noted 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 unpredictability is inherent in dealing with the current US leadership. However, they argue that the UK has obtained tangible results for businesses, such as reduced duties on automobiles compared to other nations. "Our achievement of 25% steel tariffs, which is lower than the rate for the rest of the world, is a solid gain," one official said.

Nevertheless, delays have arisen in carrying out the May tariff agreement. Promised access for British beef have failed to be approved, and the pledge to "remove tariffs on British steel and aluminium" has remains unmet, with tariffs remaining 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 "productive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.