Parents hoped the Angela Cannings verdict would help their appeals

Her lawyer now wants an independent review into cases where children have been put into care on expert advice.

Parents whose children were taken away due to abuse accusations had hoped they would be able to get them back following the Angela Cannings case.

But the Court of Appeal's verdict means such parents may not be able to appeal.

Now to have social services reviewing their own cases is just not acceptable Sarah Harman

Mrs Cannings, 40, was cleared of murdering two of her children when evidence from expert witnesses was ruled unsound last December.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal, which was hearing the cases of two mothers whose children had been removed, said the Cannings verdict did not change the responsibilities of local authorities who take youngsters into care.

'Unsafe evidence'

One of the mothers involved in the failed appeal told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It is just incredible that they can say that the medical evidence was unsafe and yet they still think that I did it.

"I find it very hard. It is devastating. It will have an affect on us but we have to take it further. We have to go on now."

Lawyer Sarah Harman told Today: "We are very disappointed that the Court of Appeal seems to be saying in very clear terms that the impact of Cannings is negligible in family court decisions."

The Court of Appeal verdict is obviously trying to lower expectations Vera Baird QC

Children's minister Margaret Hodge has ordered a review of family as well as criminal cases where expert testimony is disputed but Ms Harman wants an independent review carried out.

"Most people thought it was going to be an independent review. Now to have social services reviewing their own cases is just not acceptable," she said.

Labour MP and QC Vera Baird also highlighted the need for the review to be independent.

"It now becomes imperative that there is an independent inquiry into these cases and not one held by social services who have now really rather been discouraged in thinking that many of these cases will be reopened.

"The Court of Appeal verdict is obviously trying to lower expectations. I am very worried about that," she said.