A LAW named after missing York woman Claudia Lawrence has suffered a setback in the House of Commons.

Claudia’s Law will create a new legal status of guardian of the property and affairs of anyone missing for 90 days or more, allowing families and friends of missing people to manage their affairs.

A bill supported by Claudia’s father Peter and the Missing People charity was proposed by MP for Thirsk and Malton Kevin Hollinrake, and was due to have its third reading in the House of Commons yesterday, having passed the committee stage.

However, MP for Christchurch Christopher Chope objected to the bill before it could be passed, meaning it will have to go before the Commons again on March 24.

Mr Hollinrake said he was disappointed about the delay, which meant it was even more important that the bill is passed as March 24 is the last day it can be passed in this Parliamentary session.

Mr Hollinrake said he understood the objection could have been filed to delay bills due for debate after Claudia’s Law.

He said: “It’s a bit frustrating, to be honest, a bit of a setback, but it’s not a fatal blow. We will be back.

“Unfortunately, the member did object, not because of the bill per se. I’ve spoken to him and he said he did support the bill.”

Mr Hollinrake said he was “very confident” Claudia’s Law will go through on March 24, and members of all parties had been “very supportive” of changes to the guardianship laws.