MP vows to continue fight for Claudia’s law

Campaigners have expressed disappointment that the legislation known as Claudia’s law, named for missing Claudia Lawrence, was not mentioned in last week's Queen’s Speech.

However, the MP for Thirsk and Malton said he will be meeting ministers to push for this Bill to be brought forward.

Mr Hollinrake said: “This law would mean so much to so many people who have been through such difficult times. We need to support the families of missing people and help them as much as we can.

"I understand the importance and the significance this law would mean, for instance for parents like Peter and Joan Lawrence whose daughter, Claudia, went missing in 2009.

"I appreciate that some may be disheartened by the speed with which this issue is progressing, but I will be meeting with ministers and colleagues in Westminster in the hope that a solution can be achieved as soon as possible."

The legislation would have closed an existing loophole and allowed families to manage a missing loved one’s financial matters and legal affairs.

Claudia's father Peter said: “I am very disappointed that proposed Guardianship legislation did not feature in the Queen’s Speech.

“It was in March last year that the government promised to proceed with this legislation ‘as quickly as possible’ and the thousands of families waiting for it are not at all happy with the slow rate of progress.

“I will continue to speak to Ministers and to press for the legislation to be introduced to Parliament at the earliest opportunity.”

York MPs Julian Sturdy and Rachael Maskell had also backed the campaign.

Ms Maskell said: “I am extremely disappointed the government have not made introducing the Guardianship of a Missing Person Bill a priority.

“Families like Claudia’s are in an incredibly distressing situation without having to face additional pressure and obstacles from financial institutions. I will continue to press the government on this.”