Claudia Lawrence family: police made "wrong decisions"
The family of missing Claudia Lawrence have criticised the police investigation. They say focusing on her private life may have cost clues.
Missing chef Claudia " sighted" in Amsterdam
A former private detective has claimed to have seen missing York chef Claudia Lawrence in Amsterdam.
Claudia Lawrence's disappearance
On Sunday 18th March it will be three years since University of York chef Claudia Lawrence disappeared.
Live updates
Claudia's father supports new law for missing people's families
The father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence has been in the House of Commons as he continues his fight to make it easier for those dealing with a missing person's estate.
Peter Lawrence, whose daughter Claudia disappeared in March 2009, was there for the second reading of the Presumption of Death Bill.The new law would introduce a certificate of presumed death, to cut the red tape families currently face when a loved one goes missing
Missing people's families to get extra help
Families of missing people, including that of York chef Claudia Lawrence, will be given help to cope with the complex legal and financial issues they face.
The Government will be supporting a Private Members Bill which will introduce a presumption of death certificate.
The Bill introduced by John Glen MP, follows an announcement earlier this year of plans to simplify the law around the affairs of those who are missing presumed dead.
The presumption of death certificate will be equivalent to a death certificate in its legal power.
Having the certificate will help families deal with different aspects of the affairs of the missing person, such as existing direct debits or access to bank accounts.
– Justice Minister Helen GrantThis is a terrible situation that no family should have to go through. No-one can prepare for the heartache and confusion when a loved one disappears with no trace.
The existing system is convoluted and an additional nightmare for families to overcome. That is why we are changing the law and making the process much more straightforward.
The changes will create a simple legal framework to ensure bereaved people can deal with the property and affairs of a loved one who has gone missing and is presumed dead.
– Nicola Sharp, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Missing PeopleMissing People is delighted by this timely announcement from the MoJ backing John Glen's Private Member's Bill. The charity has been campaigning to end the unnecessary heartache faced by families when they seek to have a loved one legally presumed dead and today's announcement will be welcomed by them.
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Claudia's father in London for Missing persons'Bill
The father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence has been to the House of Commons for the second reading of the Government's Presumption of Death Bill. It will make it easier for relatives to deal with the affairs of financial and legal issues of their missing loved ones.
Claudia disappeared in 2009. Her father, Peter says he is disappointed that there is currently no provision for Guardianship in the Bill and hopes that this will be re-considered.
Campaign for more rights for the families of missing people
A campaign supported by the father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence will move a step closer to becoming a reality this week.
Peter Lawrence has campaigned for more rights for the families of missing people.
He will be in the House of Commons on Friday for the second reading of the Government's Presumption of Death Bill which will make it easier for relatives to deal with the financial and legal issues of their missing loved ones.
Selby MP backs Peter Lawrence's campaign for more rights for families of missing people
Nigel Adams MP pledged to back the Missing People campaign this week, after meeting with Peter Lawrence, the father of missing York University chef Claudia Lawrence.
He's been fighting for more rights to allow him to deal with Claudia's financial affairs, which under current legislation he cannot.
– Nigel Adams MP, Selby and AinstyKnowing Peter personally I have seen firsthand the difficulties that families face when a loved one goes missing. I look forward to the second reading of the Presumption of Death Bill in November and will support the Missing Rights campaign until those who have experienced a loved one going missing can have their headache put to rest.
The charity Missing People has campaigned for years to secure support for families and allow them more legal rights to deal with financial and other issues in the missing person's name. The charity is also campaigning for more emotional support to be provided.
– Nicola Sharp, Missing People’s Director of Policy and Advocacy“We are deeply heartened by the cross-party support that is being expressed by MPs and Peers in their support of the Missing Rights campaign which seeks to ease the heartache experienced by the families of missing people."
MPs have this week also attended a roundtable discussion in the House of Commons which looked at John Glen MP’s Private Members’ Bill on Presumption of Death. This is due for second reading on 2nd November.
Carol concert plans announced by father of missing Claudia
The father of Claudia Lawrence will today announce details of a carol concert in December - in memory of missing people. It's three and half years since the chef from York vanished.
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Missing chef Claudia " sighted" in Amsterdam
A former private detective has claimed to have seen missing York chef Claudia Lawrence in Amsterdam.
Read the full storyEXCLUSIVE - Possible sighting of Claudia
There is new hope for the family of the York chef Claudia Lawrence after a possible sighting of her more than three years after she vanished. Calendar can reveal that a former private detective says he believes he spotted Claudia a week ago in Amsterdam. Jon Hill reports.
Claudia Call-ins
A TV appeal for help finding missing York University chef Claudia Lawrence last night led to a number of viewers calling in to the studio.
Crimewatch said it received eight calls and North Yorkshire Police received one call direct to the force.
Police are investigating these further.