UK politicians are sounding alarms over deals made with the Trump administration, calling them unstable. The recent pharmaceutical agreement, touted as a milestone, currently lacks any detailed legal text. It exists only as press releases, with the UK emphasizing zero tariffs and the US focusing on higher drug prices for the NHS.
This follows the suspension of a major tech deal by Washington, citing insufficient UK progress on lowering trade barriers. Even earlier promises to farmers, like beef export quotas, remain unapproved with deadlines approaching. Trade experts warn the UK is making firm commitments in exchange for political assurances from an unpredictable president.
Ministers privately admit the arrangements feel fragile, built on shifting sand. Committee chairs express concern that the NHS is being exposed to risk and future cost increases. The government points to avoided steel tariffs as a tangible win, arguing US industry also desires stability. However, with formal negotiations set to resume next month, critics highlight the danger of relying on informal agreements prone to sudden change.
This follows the suspension of a major tech deal by Washington, citing insufficient UK progress on lowering trade barriers. Even earlier promises to farmers, like beef export quotas, remain unapproved with deadlines approaching. Trade experts warn the UK is making firm commitments in exchange for political assurances from an unpredictable president.
Ministers privately admit the arrangements feel fragile, built on shifting sand. Committee chairs express concern that the NHS is being exposed to risk and future cost increases. The government points to avoided steel tariffs as a tangible win, arguing US industry also desires stability. However, with formal negotiations set to resume next month, critics highlight the danger of relying on informal agreements prone to sudden change.
