The hearing into the case of Charlie Gard has been postponed until tomorrow.

 

After intense discussions today, lawyers have agreed to hold a multi-disciplinary meeting to try and determine the best course of action to take.

 

Presiding judge Mr Justice Francis said the meeting will be held in “a matter of days.” He said the meeting would allow both parties to “seek a better understanding of each other’s views.”

 

Tomorrow’s court proceedings will determine how close both parties are to arranging the meeting.

 

A decision had been expected today, however, lawyers were unable to come to an agreement on the best way forward.

 

 

Today the judge considered evidence submitted by Charlie’s parents Connie Yates and Chris Gard, regarding the potential success of the experimental treatment they are seeking for Charlie.

 

 Mr Justice Francis said: “We all want what is best for Charlie. If there is important new evidence that suggests my decision should be changed, then I will change it.”

 

 Connie and Chris’s lawyer said that new information not available in April shifts the balance of Charlie’s best interests in favour of receiving the experimental treatment.

 

An anonymous American medical expert gave evidence claiming that there was a ten percent chance Charlie’s condition could improve if he were to receive the experimental neucleoside therapy in America. 

 

He gave evidence via video link and said he was happy to come to the UK to examine Charlie.

 

 

Meanwhile, specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) claim Charlie “has no quality of life and no real prospect of any quality of life”.

 

“He has grown bigger but growth has not been accompanied by health. The reverse is true and there are signs of deterioration,” a doctor told the court.

 

Earlier today, there was a dramatic moment in the courtroom when Connie and Chris stormed out of court after claiming they had been misquoted in a previous trial.

 

According to The Guardian, Mr Justice Francis referred to a previous comment made by Chris Gard, to the effect that he would not want his son to continue living in his current condition if he showed no signs of improvement.

 

An upset Chris punched a table, stood up and said: "I thought this was supposed to be independent." Connie said: "We said he's not in suffering and in pain. If he was we wouldn't be up here fighting."

 

 

They then walked out of the courtroom and did not return until later in the afternoon.

 

On their return, Mr Justice Francis apologised to them, saying: “I completely understand this is desperate for you.”

 

We will keep you up to date with the latest developments in the case as events unfold over the next few days.

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