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Theresa May and Canadian opposite number Justin Trudeau ganged up on Donald Trump tonight over a bitter trade wrangle about building planes.

The two prime ministers vowed to tackle the US President over the spat between American plane manufacturer Boeing and Canadian firm Bombardier, that could jeopardise the future of Bombardier's Belfast plant, which employs 4,500 workers and is Northern Ireland's largest manufacturing employer.

The American company has complained about alleged anti-competitive practices in the sale of Bombardier's new C-series jet.

Bombardier could face tough financial penalties if US trade authorities find against the firm.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

Mrs May and Mr Trudeau broke off from post- Brexit trade talks in Canadian capital Ottawa to discuss the tussle.

And the Canadian PM threatened to boycott Boeing warplanes as Canada's air force looks for to buy new fighter jets.

He said: “It's been very clear that Canada is embarking upon a procurement process to strengthen our military and to do right by the men and women of the Canadian forces by ensuring we have the right equipment and the ability to do their jobs responsibly.

(Image: AFP)

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: PA)

“That includes replacing our fleet of fighter jets and we have obviously been looking at the (F/A-18) Super Hornet aircraft from Boeing as the potential significant procurement of our new fighter jets.

“But we won't do business with a company that is busy trying to sue us and put our aerospace workers out of business.”

Speaking in French, he added: “I am very happy to be working with Prime Minister May to explain to the American administration how Boeing's actions are harmful to workers here in Canada, harmful to economic growth in our countries, also harmful to the future of the aerospace industry in the whole world.”

Boeing was acting in its “own narrow interests … linked to their profits – that is not the way the world should operate”, he added.

(Image: PA)

Speaking earlier on board her RAF Voyager Airbus A330 to Ottawa, Mrs May confirmed she had already spoken with Mr Trump about Bombardier and Boeing.

“What I laid out to President Trump was that this was an issue that was of concern to the UK because of the jobs in Northern Ireland, the impact it could have on Northern Ireland,” she said.

At the joint press conference with Mr Trudeau at Parliament Hill, she pledged to raise the issue with Mr Trump again on Wednesday when they meet at the UN General Assembly in New York.

“We want to make clear that we are protecting jobs in this area,” she said.

“I will raise the issue of Bombardier with him when I meet him again later this week.

“I will be impressing on him the significance of Bombardier to the UK and particularly to jobs in Northern Ireland.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

“We have discussed today how we can work together and see a resolution of this issue.

“From my point of view, I want to see a resolution that protects jobs in Northern Ireland.”

Mrs May was making her first trip to Canada.

Mr Trudeau greeted his British counterpart on Parliament Hill before a military band struck up God Save the Queen, followed by a 19-gun salute which echoed around the city.

Mrs May then inspected troops before heading inside the impressive 19th Century building, where parliamentary business is closely modelled on Westminster.