NI secretary Brokenshire says Bombardier trade tariff is 'unjustified'

Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire has criticised the decision to slap a 220% trade tariff on planemaker Bombardier after action taken by rival Boeing last week.

The Canadian company is one of the largest employers in NI, with over 4,000 jobs said to be at risk as a result of the US' decision to impose the import tariff.

Speaking at the Conservative party conference on Sunday, Brokenshire said the decision was 'unjustified and unwarranted'.

"I say to Boeing this case is unjustified and unwarranted. This action is not what is expected of a long-term partner to the UK."

Brokenshire called on Boeing and Bombardier to "get round the table and secure a negotiated outcome to this dispute quickly".

The US Department of Commerce made the decision to introduce the hefty tariff, which tripled the cost of the C-series group of planes in the US.

Bombardier called the ruling "absurd," saying that Boeing was attempting to use US trade laws as part of an effort to "stifle competition," because it had made a "superior aircraft" that was more efficient and comfortable than its own offerings.

The NI secretary also called on the political parties in the region to reach an agreement, with Stormont remaining unoccupied since a collapse in power-sharing at the beginning of this year.

"Now is the time to look beyond the issues that divide you. Show the resolve you have demonstrated in the past,” Brokenshire added.