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Elected officials have issued warnings that the United Kingdom's negotiated accords with Donald Trump are "fundamentally unstable." This comes after 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 published in government press releases.

Lacking Legal Footing

The arrangement concerning medicines, described as a "significant" achievement, is still an "statement of intent" without a signed legal text. Observers point out that the press releases from the UK and US governments describe the deal in divergent terms. The British version celebrates securing "duty-free access" as a unique achievement, while the American announcement highlights the expectation for the NHS to pay significantly more for new medications.

"We face a genuine possibility that the UK government has agreed to terms to raise drug prices in return for nothing more than a assurance from President Trump," commented David Henig, a trade policy analyst. "It is documented he has a record of not honouring his word."

Broader Instability and a Paused Tech Deal

Anxieties have been intensified by Washington's move to put on ice the major technology agreement, which was previously heralded as "a huge leap forward" in the bilateral relationship. The US cited a failure to advance from the UK on lowering trade barriers as the reason for the pause.

Furthermore, 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. "Our understanding is that the US has not finalized the agreed beef export quotas," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Anxiety Behind Closed Doors

Behind the scenes, 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 "built on sand," while another characterized the situation as the "new normal" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "additional layers of volatility and unpredictability."

Layla Moran, chair of the health select committee, argued: "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 of vital importance."

Government Downplays Risks, Points to Gains

Ministry sources have downplayed the possibility of the US backing out of the pharmaceuticals deal. One source suggested the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been advocating for the agreement, desiring stability on imports and pricing, making it more concrete than the paused tech deal.

Officials acknowledge that instability is part and parcel of dealing with the Trump administration. However, they contend that the UK has achieved real benefits for businesses, such as preferential tariff rates compared to other nations. "Our achievement of 25% steel tariffs, which is lower than the rate for the rest of the world, is a concrete advantage," one official said.

However, issues have arisen in carrying out the May tariff agreement. Promised quotas on beef exports have failed to be approved, and the pledge to "eliminate duties on UK metals" has not been fulfilled, with tariffs staying at 25%.

As negotiations continue, the two sides have scheduled to restart talks on the paused tech prosperity deal in January, following what were described as "productive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.