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A Cabinet minister has told Sky News that the Government has "no role to play" in the case of terminally ill baby Charlie Gard.

Charlie's mother, Connie Yates, has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to support the family's case after a court backed doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital over stopping further treatment.

But Justice Secretary David Lidington said although the case is "heart-wrenching" the Government has "no role to play".

He said: "It is right that judges interpret the law, independently and dispassionately. As ministers and as a Government we have no role to play in the Charlie Gard case, as would be the case in any other proceeding in court.

"I do not envy the judges who are having to take decisions on this."

Ms Yates and Charlie's father, Chris Gard, from Bedfont in west London, are expected to join a demonstration outside Great Ormond Street Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

A petition of over 350,000 signatures will be delivered, calling on doctors to allow the 11-month-old baby to travel to the US for treatment after President Donald Trump tweeted an offer of help.

Two American congressmen have added their support and are trying to offer the Gard family the chance to become US residents.

Researchers at the Vatican's children's hospital have also offered assistance and have said tests in mice and patients, with a similar but not the same genetic condition as Charlie, had shown "dramatic clinical improvements".

Charlie inherited the faulty RRM2B gene from his parents. This affects the cells responsible for energy production and respiration, leaving him unable to move or breathe without a ventilator. The therapy he has been offered is not a cure.

Great Ormond Street Hospital said on Friday it had applied to the High Court for a fresh hearing "in light of claims of new evidence relating to potential treatment for his condition".

Charlie's case will be heard by Mr Justice Francis on Monday at 2pm, according to a High Court listing.