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Ministers and senior MPs have expressed alarm that the United Kingdom's series of deals with the US administration are "fundamentally unstable." This follows revelations that a much-touted deal on drug pricing, which commits to zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS facing higher prices, lacks any formal legal text beyond broad headline terms published in government press releases.

An Agreement in Principle Only

The US-UK pharmaceuticals agreement, promoted as a "significant" achievement, exists as an "agreement in principle" without a signed legal text. Observers point out that the official announcements from the UK and US governments describe the deal in markedly contrasting terms. The British version focuses on securing "duty-free access" as a singular success, 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 verbal promise from President Trump," stated David Henig, a trade expert. "History shows he has form for not honouring his word."

A Pattern of Unreliability

Anxieties have been amplified by Washington's recent decision to put on ice the high-value digital accord, which was previously described as "a transformative pact" in the bilateral relationship. The US claimed a insufficient movement from the UK on reducing other tariffs as the reason for the pause.

Furthermore, concessions secured for British farmers as part of an initial accord have still not been formally approved by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "It is our belief 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 voiced worries that the government's deals with Washington are unstable and unpredictable. One minister was quoted as stating the series of agreements as "built on sand," while another characterized the situation as the "prevailing condition" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "increased uncertainty and instability."

Layla Moran, chair of the health select committee, stated: "What is even more astonishing than Trump's temper tantrums is the UK government's naive belief that his administration is a reliable partner. The NHS is not a bargaining chip."

A Mixed Picture of Success and Setback

Government figures have sought to reduce the possibility of the US backing out of the pharmaceuticals deal. One source noted the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been lobbying for the agreement, seeking certainty on imports and pricing, making it less abstract than the paused tech deal.

Officials concede that volatility is inherent in dealing with the current US leadership. However, they contend 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 more favorable than the rate for the rest of the world, is a concrete advantage," one official said.

Nevertheless, problems 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 fixed at 25%.

Moving forward, 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.