Opponents of assisted dying have said criticism from psychiatrists is a "blow to the foundations" of a contentious bill that returns to the Commons on Friday - but both sides believe it is still likely to pass, the Times (of London) reports today.

Those opposed to changing the law believe they are seeing "multiple" MPs come over to their side as practical concerns mount about the bill, while some in government believe sentiment is turning against legalising assisted dying.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has come out against the bill, saying there is a danger that more people suffering from depression will opt for suicide and that there are not enough psychiatrists to conduct the assessments required by the legislation.

Interest in the UK situation has spiked after two weeks ago the Maltese government launched a public discussion on assisted voluntary euthanasia. The Medical Association of Malta, in a statement last week, is saying that the government's move is premature.

Read the Times article here