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Ministers and senior MPs have expressed alarm that the United Kingdom's series of deals with Donald Trump are "fundamentally unstable." This comes after 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 detailed agreement beyond limited headline terms outlined by government press releases.

An Agreement in Principle Only

The US-UK pharmaceuticals agreement, described as a "significant" achievement, exists as an "broad understanding" without detailed provisions. Observers point out that the public statements from the UK and US governments frame the deal in divergent terms. The British version emphasizes securing "zero per cent tariffs" as a unique achievement, while the American announcement dwells on the expectation for the NHS to pay higher prices for new medications.

"There is a serious risk that the UK government has promised concessions to raise drug prices in return for little more than a assurance from President Trump," said David Henig, a trade expert. "We know he has a tendency for not keeping promises."

Wider Concerns Amidst a Suspended Agreement

Worries have been intensified by Washington's recent decision to suspend the major technology agreement, which was previously heralded as "a generational step-change" in the bilateral relationship. The US pointed to a failure to advance from the UK on addressing wider trade issues 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 ratified by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "It is our belief that the US has failed to approve the reciprocal tariff rate quota," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Private Ministerial Concerns

Behind the scenes, ministers have voiced worries 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 described the situation as the "prevailing condition" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "additional layers of volatility and unpredictability."

Layla Moran, chair of the health select committee, stated: "The only thing more surprising than Trump's temper tantrums is the UK government's optimistic assumption that his administration is a reliable partner. The NHS is of vital importance."

A Mixed Picture of Success and Setback

Officials have sought to reduce the risk of the US withdrawing from the pharmaceuticals deal. One source indicated 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 acknowledge that volatility is inherent in dealing with the current US leadership. However, they contend that the UK has secured concrete outcomes for businesses, such as preferential tariff rates compared to other nations. "Our achievement of 25% steel tariffs, which is more favorable than the rate for the rest of the world, is a concrete advantage," one official said.

Yet, issues have emerged in enacting 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 remains unmet, with tariffs staying at 25%.

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