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Elected officials have expressed alarm that the United Kingdom's series of deals with Donald Trump are "lacking a solid foundation." This comes after revelations that a recently announced deal on drug pricing, which commits to zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS paying more, lacks any underlying contract beyond limited headline terms published in government press releases.

A Deal Without Detail

The deal on drug tariffs, promoted as a "significant" achievement, remains an "statement of intent" without detailed provisions. Observers point out that the official announcements from the UK and US governments present the deal in markedly contrasting terms. The British version focuses on securing "duty-free access" as a unique achievement, while the American announcement concentrates on the agreement for the NHS to pay 25% more for new medications.

"There is a serious risk that the UK government has agreed to terms to increase medicine costs in return for only a verbal promise from President Trump," said David Henig, a trade expert. "It is documented he has a tendency for not honouring his word."

A Pattern of Unreliability

Anxieties have been intensified by Washington's recent decision to pause the £31bn "tech prosperity deal", which was previously described as "a transformative pact" in the bilateral relationship. The US claimed a lack of progress from the UK on reducing other tariffs as the reason for the pause.

In a separate development, concessions secured for British farmers as part of an earlier tariff deal have yet to be formally approved by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "Our understanding is that the US has not finalized the reciprocal tariff rate quota," 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 described the series of agreements as "built on sand," while another characterized the situation as the "prevailing condition" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "greater risk and fluctuation."

Layla Moran, chair of the health select committee, remarked: "What is even more astonishing than the US approach is the UK government's optimistic assumption that his administration is a good faith actor. The NHS is of vital importance."

Government Downplays Risks, Points to Gains

Government figures have attempted to minimize the chances of the US withdrawing from the pharmaceuticals deal. One source indicated the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been pushing for the agreement, seeking certainty on imports and pricing, making it less abstract than the paused tech deal.

Officials acknowledge that unpredictability is a feature of dealing with the current US leadership. However, they maintain that the UK has secured concrete outcomes for businesses, such as preferential tariff rates compared to other nations. "Securing 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 implementing the initial US-UK accord. Promised access for British beef have failed to be approved, and the commitment to "eliminate duties on UK metals" has not been fulfilled, with tariffs remaining at 25%.

Moving forward, the two sides have planned to recommence talks on the suspended digital agreement in January, following what were described as "constructive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.