Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, has reaffirmed his support for desperately needed changes to guardianship legislation for missing people which were unfortunately passed over in today’s Queen’s Speech.
Currently when someone goes missing their family is left unable to properly manage their financial affairs because banks and other third parties can only deal with their customers directly, which is clearly not possible when that person is missing. This legal loophole has left families unable to cancel direct debits and ensure that mortgage payments are made.
The proposed new law, also known as ‘Claudia’s Law’ in memory of Claudia Lawrence who went missing in York back in 2009, has strong cross-party support. Mr Sturdy joined neighbouring MPs Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk & Malton) and Rachael Maskell (York Central) in organising a joint letter to the Prime Minister on the proposals which gained the support of 75 MPs up and down the country.
In March 2015 the Government pledged its support to the changes to guardianship, and Mr Sturdy hosted a Parliamentary debate on the matter in March of this year.
Commenting Mr Sturdy said, “It is very disappointing that legislation on guardianship was not included in today’s Queen’s speech. This is certainly not the end of the road as there are other ways to try and bring these changes before Parliament. I will be challenging the Secretary of State on this issue and will continue to work with all supportive MPs, Peter Lawrence, and the charity Missing People, to bring about these vital changes for the families of missing people.
“The government has acknowledged the need for these changes and was supportive in response to my debate in March, and it is vital that efforts are now redoubled to ensure that we deliver this crucial legislation.”