A DECISION not to include the guardianship legislation known as “Claudia’s Law” in the Government’s plans for the year has been met with disappointment.

The legislation - named for missing York woman Claudia Lawrence - did not appear in the Queen's Speech today (Wednesday, May 16), despite getting Government support last year.

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

Among those leading the struggle to get the new law was Peter Lawrence, the father of university chef Claudia who disappeared without trace in 2009.

“I am very disappointed that proposed Guardianship legislation did not feature in today’s Queen’s Speech,” he said.

“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 and Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake 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.”