Father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence dies
Peter Lawrence passed away at St Leonard's Hospice on Thursday
Last updated 15th Feb 2021
The father of missing York chef, Claudia Lawrence, has died aged 74.
Peter Lawrence passed away at St Leonard's Hospice in York on Thursday, following a short illness.
It comes 12 years after Claudia disappeared, after she didn't show up for a 6am shift at the University of York.
North Yorkshire Police believe she was murdered, although a body has never been found.
Claudia's Law
Peter never found out what happened to Claudia, but that didn't stop him campaigning for new legislation, passed in 2017, known as Claudia's Law.
The Guardianship (Missing Persons) Bill allows family members to take control of someone's finances if they've been missing for 90 days or more.
Previously, that could only happen if it was confirmed they'd died.
The retired solicitor was recognised for his efforts in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2018, receiving an OBE.
"Where is Claudia?"
His family said: "Despite Peter's death, the message remains the same - where is Claudia?
"Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101."
Police previously said they "strongly suspect key and vital information'' which would offer a breakthrough in the case of Claudia's disappearance is being "withheld''.
Nine people have been questioned as part of the investigation, but no charges have ever been brought.