The Anglo-Dutch company has been one of the most outspoken oil industry supporters of the 2015 accord, telling Mr Trump that withdrawal would weaken America’s position globally.

Andy Brown, one of Shell’s most senior executives, said he feared that the decision and a corresponding weakening of emissions reduction efforts could also store up problems for fossil fuel companies in future, triggering “a backlash on regulation against an industry like ours” in a post-Trump era.

Speaking to The Times shortly before Mr Trump confirmed his decision on Thursday night, Mr Brown said: “In a part of the…