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Government ministers and leading parliamentarians have issued warnings that the United Kingdom's recent agreements with Washington are "lacking a solid foundation." This stems from revelations that a so-called "milestone" deal on drug pricing, which promises zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS facing higher prices, lacks any underlying contract beyond broad headline terms contained within government press releases.

Lacking Legal Footing

The deal on drug tariffs, promoted as a "significant" achievement, exists as an "statement of intent" without a signed legal text. Critics have noted that the press releases from the UK and US governments frame the deal in markedly contrasting 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 25% more for new medications.

"We face a genuine possibility that the UK government has made commitments to raise drug prices in return for only a verbal promise from President Trump," stated David Henig, a trade expert. "It is documented he has form for not honouring his word."

Wider Concerns Amidst a Suspended Agreement

Concerns have been intensified by Washington's action to suspend the £31bn "tech prosperity deal", which was previously called "a generational step-change" in the bilateral relationship. The US claimed a insufficient movement from the UK on lowering trade barriers as the reason for the pause.

Additionally, concessions agreed to for British farmers as part of an earlier tariff deal have still not been formally signed off by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "Our understanding is that the US has failed to approve the reciprocal tariff rate quota," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Uncertainty Among Officials

In confidential discussions, ministers have voiced worries that the government's deals with Washington are flimsy and unreliable. One minister reportedly said 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, stated: "Perhaps most shocking than the US approach 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

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

Officials admit that instability is inherent in dealing with the Trump administration. However, they argue that the UK has obtained tangible results for businesses, such as reduced duties on automobiles compared to other nations. "The fact we have 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 implementing the initial US-UK accord. Promised access for British beef have yet to be finalized, and the commitment to "reduce steel tariffs to zero" has is still pending, with tariffs remaining 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.