def get_subsel(layer,filter):
    layers = iface.mapCanvas().layers()
    for lyr in layers:
        if lyr.name() == layer:
            request = QgsFeatureRequest().setFilterExpression(filter)

            iter = lyr.getFeatures(request)
            ids = [i.id() for i in iter]
            lyr.setSelectedFeatures(ids)

            selected_feats = lyr.selectedFeatures()

    new_layer = QgsVectorLayer("Point?crs=epsg:277000", "acc_subselection", "memory")
    data_prov = new_layer.dataProvider()
    data_prov.addFeatures(selected_feats)
    QgsMapLayerRegistry().instance().addMapLayer(new_layer)