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Elected officials have raised concerns that the United Kingdom's negotiated accords with Washington are "lacking a solid foundation." This follows revelations that a recently announced deal on medicines, which pledges zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS increasing its costs, lacks any underlying contract beyond vague headline terms contained within government press releases.

Lacking Legal Footing

The arrangement concerning medicines, promoted as a "generational" achievement, exists as an "statement of intent" without a signed legal text. Observers point out that the public statements from the UK and US governments frame the deal in sharply different terms. The British version focuses on securing "zero per cent tariffs" as a singular success, while the American announcement highlights the commitment 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 only a verbal promise from President Trump," said David Henig, a trade policy analyst. "History shows he has a record of not honouring his word."

Wider Concerns Amidst a Suspended Agreement

Anxieties have been intensified by Washington's move to put on ice the £31bn "tech prosperity deal", which was previously called "a huge leap forward" in the bilateral relationship. The US cited a insufficient movement from the UK on addressing wider trade issues as the reason for the pause.

Furthermore, concessions promised for British farmers as part of an initial accord have not been formally approved by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "We have been informed that that the US has failed to approve the reciprocal tariff rate quota," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Uncertainty Among Officials

Privately, ministers have admitted unease that the government's agreements with the US are unstable and unpredictable. One minister described the series of agreements as "built on sand," while another framed the situation as the "current reality" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "increased uncertainty and instability."

Layla Moran, a senior MP on the health committee, remarked: "What is even more astonishing than Trump's temper tantrums is the UK government's naive belief that his administration is a good faith actor. The NHS is too precious to be gambled with."

A Mixed Picture of Success and Setback

Officials have downplayed the risk of the US withdrawing from the pharmaceuticals deal. One source indicated the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been pushing for the agreement, wanting clarity on imports and pricing, making it of tangible value than the paused tech deal.

Officials admit that instability is a feature of dealing with the Trump administration. However, they argue that the UK has obtained tangible results for businesses, such as lower steel tariffs compared to other nations. "The fact we have 25% steel tariffs, which is better than the rate for the rest of the world, is a solid gain," one official said.

Yet, delays have arisen in implementing the May tariff agreement. Promised reciprocal agricultural allowances have not materialized, and the pledge to "remove tariffs on British steel and aluminium" has remains unmet, with tariffs staying at 25%.

Moving forward, the two sides have agreed to resume talks on the paused tech prosperity deal in January, following what were described as "very positive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.