Zurich-based Dignitas has begun discussions about setting up a British branch, even though it is illegal here to help someone commit suicide. In the past three years, 37 Britons have killed themselves at its clinic. It claims to have hundreds more British members.

The move comes as Britain's most senior church leaders this weekend mounted a concerted campaign to counter fresh moves in Parliament to legalise assisted suicide.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and his Catholic counterpart, Cardinal Cormac Murphy- O'Connor, are leading attacks on plans by a group of senior peers to table a new Bill allowing assisted suicide.

Up to 70 peers and Anglican bishops are set to speak in a major debate in the House of Lords tomorrow.

'Do-it-yourself' euthanasia clinic to open in Britain