An inquest into every sudden infant death and a rule that autopsies in such cases be performed only by pathologists with paediatric training are among radical reforms called for this week by a working group of two UK royal colleges.

The recommendations come after widespread public concern over the cases of Sally Clark and Angela Cannings, who served years in prison before their convictions for murdering their babies were overturned on appeal, and Trupti Patel, who was acquitted of murdering three of her babies.

Key recommendations are for a nationwide protocol for the investigation of unexpected baby deaths and greater …