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Victoria Butler-Cole and Benjamin Tankel represent the Guardian of Charlie Gard (instructed by Cafcass Legal) in the ongoing hearings to allow their son to undergo experimental treatment in the US.

Victoria Butler-Cole and Benjamin Tankel represent the Guardian of Charlie Gard (instructed by Cafcass Legal) in the ongoing hearings to allow their son to undergo experimental treatment in the US.

Regarding the recent press coverage of the case, please find below a statement:

"The expert role of a barrister is to represent their client's interests and their own  personal opinions have no relevance in court proceedings. Ms Butler-Cole is instructed by Charlie's guardian and is representing him independently in Court.  Under the professional rules of barristers Ms Butler-Cole acts for any party who instructs her, whether a family member, a hospital trust, or a child's guardian. Great Ormond Street and Charlie's parents also have independent representation.  

Ms Butler-Cole's role in a voluntary capacity as Trustee of a charity whose objective is to advance the development of better end of life care, including palliative care, has no relevance to the current case of Charlie Gard. Contrary to media reports, CAFCASS had no role in her appointment to the charity as a volunteer Trustee.

Ms Butler-Cole continues to represent Charlie Gard in a professional and compassionate way as she does with all her clients."