And i came very close to taking my own life at that point. I didnt really see a way out. If youre a student and you gamble do get in touch with us this morning. Some say its to supplement their income. And more mixed messages on whether or not its safe to drink when youre pregnant. Researchers say the government advice to totally abstain is based on weak evidence, but they then stress it doesnt mean its safe to drink. Well try and find out what it means. Get in touch with us this morning with your thoughts. Hello. Welcome to the programme were live until 11. Throughout the programme the latest breaking news and developing stories and, as always were really keen to hear from you. Do get in touch on all the stories were talking about this morning use the hashtag victoria live and if you text, you will be charged at the Standard Network rate. Our top story today one of the governments key pieces of legislation on brexit has passed its first test in the commons. The ayes have it. The Europ
Have made their way here to escape the violence at home. Also this hour, tributes to a giant of british theatre. Sir peter hall, founder of the Royal Shakespeare company,has died at the age of 86. Give me actors, and a text, and i instinctively know what to do. And a stones throw away; a plan to ease Traffic Congestion around stonehenge is given the go ahead. For the first time in seven years, the government is partially lifting its pay crap. Prison officers in england and wales will receive a pay rise of 1. 7 this year, above the 1 freeze which has been in place for yea rs. Freeze which has been in place for years. Police will receive a 1 pay rise plus a 1 bonus for the years. But unions are demanding far more for all public second for workers given current levels of inpolice station which today hit 2. 9 . Well ta ke station which today hit 2. 9 . Well take about inflation later this hour but first this report from ian watson at the tuc conference in brighton. Police and prison office
Russia, where police have violently broken up a rally in st petersburg. Thousands have been marching in support of the Opposition Leader, alexei navalny. Dozens have been arrested for taking part in the Anti Government protests, being held in 80 cities across the country. Campaigners are demanding that navarre need be allowed to stand in next yea rs navarre need be allowed to stand in next years president ial election. The rally has coincided with president Vladimir Putins 65th birthday. Most are not authorised, including one taking place in moscow, from where Sarah Rainsford reports. These are extraordinary scenes for russia. This crowd is heading down russias main street to the kremlin, and they are chanting slogans against president putin, calling him a thief and corrupt. They are now heading to the kremlin. The riot police are accompanying them but at the moment they are not intervening, they are escorting them down the street. You are not afraid to be here . We have no choice, we