An unfavourable ruling in a trade dispute involving Bombardier could threaten its factory in Belfast

Theresa May has asked President Trump to intervene in a trade dispute that threatens thousands of jobs in Belfast amid pressure from the Democratic Unionist Party, The Times can reveal.

Boeing, the American aircraft manufacturer, has accused its Canadian rival Bombardier of receiving unfair state support, including a £113 million loan from the British government for its new C-series plane. Downing Street has been warned that a ruling against Bombardier in the US this month could doom the company’s Belfast factory, which makes aeroplane wings and employs 4,500 people.

Mrs May raised the issue with Mr Trump in a phone call last Tuesday after pressure from Arlene Foster, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) on whose support she relies to govern. The prime