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Elected officials have issued warnings that the United Kingdom's series of deals with Washington are "built on sand." This stems from revelations that a recently announced deal on medicines, which pledges zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS increasing its costs, 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, is still an "statement of intent" without a signed legal text. Critics have noted that the public statements from the UK and US governments describe the deal in markedly contrasting terms. The British version emphasizes securing "zero per cent tariffs" as a singular success, while the American announcement dwells on the expectation for the NHS to pay significantly more for new medications.

"The danger exists that the UK government has made commitments to raise drug prices in return for little more than a verbal promise from President Trump," said David Henig, a trade expert. "It is documented he has a tendency for not following through on agreements."

A Pattern of Unreliability

Worries have been intensified by Washington's action to put on ice the major technology agreement, which was previously called "a huge leap forward" in the bilateral relationship. The US cited a failure to advance from the UK on lowering trade barriers as the reason for the pause.

In a separate development, concessions secured for British farmers as part of an May trade agreement have not been formally ratified by the US, despite a looming January deadline. "Our understanding is that the US has not finalized the agreed beef export quotas," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Anxiety Behind Closed Doors

Privately, ministers have expressed concerns 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 characterized the situation as the "new normal" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "greater risk and fluctuation."

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 trustworthy negotiator. The NHS is too precious to be gambled with."

Government Downplays Risks, Points to Gains

Government figures have sought to reduce the chances of the US backing out of 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 more concrete than the paused tech deal.

Officials acknowledge that instability is inherent in dealing with the Trump administration. However, they maintain that the UK has achieved real benefits 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 solid gain," one official said.

However, issues have surfaced in carrying out the May tariff agreement. Promised reciprocal agricultural allowances have yet to be finalized, and the assurance to "remove tariffs on British steel and aluminium" has not been fulfilled, with tariffs remaining at 25%.

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