‘Claudia’s Law’ urged to help families control affairs of missing people

By The Press Association7th December 2016News EnglandCourts / Justice, Families, Government / Politics, Missing People, News England, Vulnerable Adults

A “Claudia’s Law” to give families greater control over the affairs of missing people could be introduced in memory of the chef Claudia Lawrence.

Ms Lawrence disappeared on her way to work at the University of York in March 2009, and despite a massive police investigation nobody has ever faced prosecution.

Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton) said he is presenting the Bill in memory of Ms Lawrence (pictured), whose parents Peter and Joan live in his constituency.

The Guardianship (Missing Persons) Bill will be presented to the Commons in January via the Ten Minute Rule Motion, which allows backbenchers to put forward legislation.

Speaking in Justice Questions, Mr Hollinrake said: “I hope to introduce a Ten Minute Rule Bill on guardianship, helping relatives and friends manage the affairs of missing people, in memory of Claudia Lawrence, the daughter of my constituents, who went missing seven long years ago.

“Will the Government offer their full support, and also be willing to honour her memory by referring to it whenever possible as Claudia’s Bill?”

Justice Minister Sir Oliver Heald said: “That’s good news and I do wish my honourable friend well with his Bill and I understand why he wants to refer to it as Claudia’s Law.

“I’d like to extend my sympathies, and I’m sure the whole House would, to Peter and Joan Lawrence. The Government will formally announce its position at the Bill’s second reading, but we are keen to see this tackled.”

He said the Government is preparing legislation to create the new legal status of guardian of the property and affairs of a missing person, which will be introduced when parliamentary time allows.

Martin Dales, a friend and spokesman for Ms Lawrence’s father Peter, told the Press Association: “The signals seem to be quite positive from the Government and all the political parties that people want Claudia’s Law to happen.

“And that is very good news.”