The review will cover cases of stillbirth, neonatal death, maternal death, neonatal harm caused by severe brain injuries and severe maternal harm. 

Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care, said: ‘The scope we have set out is deliberately broad and inclusive with all eligible cases included automatically unless families choose otherwise.

Donna Ockenden said: ‘Together with families, we will develop the Terms of Reference of the Review to make sure that all families have the opportunity for their voice to be heard – especially disadvantaged, seldom heard and global majority families.'

The Truth For Our Babies group added: ‘This outcome has been driven by our group's extensive organising, advocacy and research despite ongoing struggles, grief and trauma. We are confident that the scope of this review, led by Donna Ockenden and supported by her large multi-professional team will ensure that all voices are heard and importantly acted upon.' 

Dr Andy Heeps, chief executive, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the families whose babies have died or who have suffered harm when receiving care in our hospitals.

‘We welcome Donna Ockenden's review and remain committed to fully supporting the process so families can get the answers they need, and we take any possible opportunity to learn and improve.

‘Our overriding priority is always to provide the safest possible care for mothers and babies – that is why our maternity teams have implemented many positive changes in recent years, and why we will work with the review team to find new ways of making our services better, and safer, still.'