Claudia's Law approved by House of Lords

The amendments to guardianship legislation, known as Claudia's Law, will make it easier for the families of people missing for more than 90 days to deal with their personal and financial affairs.

Peter Lawrence, Claudia's father, was at Parliament on Thursday for the approval of the Bill, which was presented to the House of Lords by Baroness Hamwee.

She said: "We cannot cure families' pain when a loved person is missing, but we can help with the practicalities. I am delighted that after a long campaign Parliament and the Government have recognised this."

Mr Lawrence said: "I am delighted that the Guardianship Bill has now had its final reading in the House of Lords and should be given Royal Assent next week when the current Parliament ends. Families will have to wait for the necessary rules and regulations to be made to enable the Act to be brought into force.

"However, the 2,500 families who have been waiting for many years for this legislation may rest assured that they will soon have the ability to look after the financial and practical affairs of their missing loved one, and this will in itself lessen the emotional pain."

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Peter Lawrence and Susannah Drury from Missing People on a previous visit to Parliament

Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton, introduced the Bill in the House of Commons, and said he was "absolutely delighted" the bill had now become law "which will help many thousands of people when they need it most".

He said: "This really was a team effort and I am very grateful to everyone involved including Baroness Hamwee, my colleagues on both sides of the House of Commons, particularly Julian Sturdy and Nigel Adams, the Justice Ministers and officials who have been so supportive and have helped to get this through all parliamentary stages in record time.

"Finally, of course, the Lawrence Family and the Missing People charity and we wish their choir every success in the remaining stages of Britain’s Got Talent."

Susannah Drury, director of policy and research at Missing People, said: "We are delighted that after years of campaigning, guardianship of a missing person’s affairs will finally become part of the law. It will not only help to lessen the strain on thousands of families already dealing with the emotional distress of having a missing loved one, but it will also mean that a missing person who returns will not find their legal and financial affairs in disarray."

The bill now awaits Royal Assent before it can become law.