Born in 1946, Sir Robert is married with two children. He is a member of English Heritage, National Trust, Victorian Society, Sherlock Holmes Society, MCC, Lancashire CCC, Middlesex CCC, Lord's Taverners, and the Carlton Club. His interests include cricket.
Robert Atkins' Experience
Sir Robert was first elected MEP for the North West region in 1999. He was Deputy Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament until November 2007 and was Chief Whip from November 2008 to November 2009. He was Conservative Spokesman on Industry and External Trade from 2001-2004, and was Spokesman on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism from 1999-2001. He is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Transport & Tourism Committee.
Sir Robert was MP for Preston North and South Ribble from 1979-97 and during that time served as DTI Minister (1987-89), Minister of Transport (1989-90), Minister of Sport (1990-92), Minister of State, Northern Ireland (1992-94) and Minister of State for Environment and Countryside (1994-95). He became a Privy-Counsellor in 1995 and was knighted in 1997.