The on-going political row over the treatment of Charlie Gard took a new turn today as it emerged US lawmakers launched attempt at granting the terminally-ill 11-month-old permanent resident status to allow him to fly to America for treatment.

Congress took a step towards passing an amendment that it is reported could mean Charlie's parents, who have been mired in a battle with British doctors, to take him to the US without needing their permission.

Jeff Fortenberry, Republican U.S. Representative for Nebraska, tweeted: