The United Kingdom is reportedly preparing to pay higher prices for certain medicines supplied to the National Health Service in a move aimed at reducing tensions with Washington.
According to the Financial Times, the British government is considering a step to address one of Donald Trump’s longstanding complaints over global drug pricing.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s chief business adviser, Varun Chandra, is due to travel to Washington next week to discuss the proposal. The issue has arisen after President Trump imposed steep tariff increases on branded medication and criticised the disparity in international drug costs.
Trump has argued that prescription drugs are far more expensive in the United States than in any other country, in some cases triple the price. He has demanded that pharmaceutical companies cut prices in America and increase them abroad, to balance revenues for the sector.
A UK government spokesperson did not directly confirm the Financial Times report but said Britain was engaged in “a constructive dialogue with the US and industry.” The spokesperson added: “We will always put patients and taxpayers first, striking the right balance between creating an environment where this innovative sector can thrive whilst ensuring best value for money.”
Earlier on Friday, the British government said it was pressing the United States over new pharmaceutical tariffs, stressing the need for a fair outcome. Trump had announced a 100 percent tariff on drug firms unless they establish manufacturing facilities within the US.
Major British pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, already operate large-scale production sites in the US and have pledged further investment.
The Trump administration has given drugmakers until Monday to reduce prices for selected medicines sold in America or face tariff penalties if the president is not satisfied.
