THE FAMILY of Claudia Lawrence have marked her 42nd birthday this weekend, as her father, Peter, prepares to visit Parliament to urge politicians - to introduce legislation to help families of missing people.

Claudia went missing from her home in the Heworth area of York on March 18, 2009. The 35-year-old vanished after finishing work as a cook at the University of York and has not been seen since.

After North Yorkshire Police reviewed her case in 2013, four men from the York area have been arrested and bailed. Their files were referred to the Crown Prosecution Service in September last year to consider whether they should stand trial.

Yesterday (Saturday, February 27) was Claudia’s 42nd birthday - an event marked privately by her family, including, Joan Lawrence, formerly of Darlington, who now lives in Malton and her father Peter Lawrence, who lives in York.

March also marks the seventh anniversary since Claudia went missing.

Peter Lawrence is to mark both the difficult anniversaries by visiting Parliament, where he intends to put renewed pressure on the Government to hold true to its promise of introducing legislation which will make it easier for families to deal with the financial affairs of missing people by being able to suspend direct debits, bills or mortgage payments. Currently families face huge barriers in ensuring their missing relative’s homes and finances are maintained and their dependents cared for in their absence.

Mr Lawrence and the charity Missing People campaigned for the changes, which were proposed last March, when the Justice Minister, Lord Faulks QC announced proposals. But almost a year on, a draft bill has yet to be drawn up.

On Tuesday (March 1) he will travel to Parliament to speak with MPs and push for the bill to be brought before the House of Commons and Lords.

His friend and spokesperson, Martin Dales, said: “Peter Lawrence will be visiting Parliament to put renewed pressure on the Government to legislate for guardianship for those missing for more than three months, the consultation for which closed a year ago before the general election.

“Questions from MPs have been tabled for answering at Justice Questions on 8th March and it is also hoped that other Parliamentarians will find ways of reigniting the debate.

“Peter will reflect on seven years without Claudia, his constant, tireless campaign to find out what has happened to her and the campaign along with other affected families and the charity Missing People to improve the rights of all those who find themselves in the predicament of having a loved-one missing.”