🔗 Share this article

Ministers and senior MPs have expressed alarm that the United Kingdom's negotiated accords with Washington are "built on sand." This follows revelations that a much-touted deal on medicines, which commits to zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS facing higher prices, lacks any detailed agreement beyond broad headline terms published in government press releases.

Lacking Legal Footing

The deal on drug tariffs, hailed as a "significant" achievement, remains an "broad understanding" without formal ratification. Critics have noted that the press releases from the UK and US governments present 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 agreement for the NHS to pay higher prices for new medications.

"There is a serious risk that the UK government has made commitments to raise drug prices in return for nothing more than a verbal promise from President Trump," stated David Henig, a trade policy analyst. "We know he has a tendency for not honouring his word."

Broader Instability and a Paused Tech Deal

Worries have been intensified by Washington's action to put on ice the high-value digital accord, which was previously called "a generational step-change" in the bilateral relationship. The US claimed a insufficient movement from the UK on reducing other tariffs as the reason for the pause.

In a separate development, concessions promised for British farmers as part of an initial accord have yet to be formally signed off by the US, despite a looming January deadline. "We have been informed that that the US has not finalized the agreed beef export quotas," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Anxiety Behind Closed Doors

In confidential discussions, ministers have admitted unease that the government's deals with Washington are lacking substance. One minister was quoted as stating the series of agreements as "resting on shaky ground," while another framed 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: "The only thing more surprising than the administration's tactics is the UK government's optimistic assumption that his administration is a reliable partner. The NHS is too precious to be gambled with."

A Mixed Picture of Success and Setback

Officials have attempted to minimize the chances of the US backing out of 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 of tangible value than the paused tech deal.

Officials concede that volatility is a feature of dealing with the current US leadership. However, they maintain that the UK has achieved real benefits for businesses, such as lower steel tariffs compared to other nations. "Securing 25% steel tariffs, which is more favorable than the rate for the rest of the world, is a solid gain," one official said.

Nevertheless, delays have arisen in implementing the May tariff agreement. Promised access for British beef have yet to be finalized, and the pledge to "reduce steel tariffs to zero" has remains unmet, with tariffs staying at 25%.

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