THE father of Claudia Lawrence has met with the Justice Minister, following concerns at delays in bringing in legislation to make it easier for families to settle the affairs of missing relatives.

Peter Lawrence met with Lord Edward Faulks, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice in a meeting arranged by Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty and a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults.

The meeting followed his concerns at delays in both enacting the Presumption of Death Act and the consultation on Guardianship, which is to help people look after the financial and administrative affairs of missing people.

Following the meeting, Mr Lawrence said: “I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with Lord Faulks who holds the portfolio for missing people’s affairs.

“It is clear that he is personally committed to seeing the Presumption of Death Act 2013 brought into force as well as proceeding with the promised consultation on Guardianship of people’s financial and legal affairs.

“He brought me up to date on the progress of both and, on behalf of the thousands of families waiting for the ability to manage their missing family member’s affairs, I welcome this commitment.”

It is five years since Ms Lawrence went missing, after last being seen leaving work at Goodricke College, part of York University, on the afternoon of March 18, 2009.

North Yorkshire Police recently revealed a number of new leads following a review of her case.