Leigh premieres abortion film

British director Mike Leigh premiered his controversial film about abortion in Venice and said he hoped it would spark debate on the subject in the UK.

Vera Drake, set in 1950s London is about a backstreet abortionist, played by Imelda Staunton. Vera "helps girls out" by visiting their homes and carrying out the procedures in secret at a time when abortion was illegal in Britain.

She is found out when one girl almost dies as a result, and Vera is jailed for her crimes.