Former UK Min. Seesk Brexit Referendum

LONDON (AP) -- A former Cabinet minister from the ruling Conservative Party has called for the British public to be consulted in a new referendum on whether Britain should leave the European Union.

Former Education Secretary Justine Greening told the BBC Monday that Parliament is "gridlocked" over Brexit. She said she and other senior Conservative Party lawmakers favor a new vote.

Greening said she would campaign to keep Britain in the EU if a new referendum is held.

There is mounting pressure on Prime Minister Theresa May coming from both sides of the Brexit debate.

Her recent white paper outlining plans for a "common rule book" with the EU over trade in goods has infuriated those who favor a complete break.

May on Monday defended her plan as she opened the Farnborough International Airshow. She said it would safeguard vital jobs in the aviation industry and keep Britain's tradition as a nation in the forefront of the aviation industry.

She said the plan outlined in the white paper honors the wishes of British voters — who in June 2016 backed Brexit in a 52 percent to 48 percent vote — while protecting industry and security.

Parliament will debate aspects of the Brexit plan later Monday.

(KA)