AN MP has pledged to continue to press the Government to introduce legislation in the form of a new guardianship law designed to assist the families of missing persons.

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

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

“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,” he said.

"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.