Peter Skinner was born in Oxford on 1 June 1959. He graduated from Bradford University with a BSc (Honours) in Economics and Politics. Later, he studied as a post-graduate at Warwick University in Industrial Relations and Labour Law. Deciding to continue his education, he studied further at the University of Greenwich for a post-graduate certificate in Education and qualified in Personnel Management at the University of Coventry. After his studies, he worked as a trade union organiser and in industrial relations, then as a lecturer at a University. Peter graduated as a Fellow at the University of Sunderland. In addition, he has written for various periodicals and has published a pamphlet in the area of Industrial Relations.

Peter has always had an interest in European politics through his studies and connections through the European Trade Union Movement. This helped to forge not only his identity with European ideas for collaboration, but also convinced him of his wish to be active in European politics. He has been a Member of the European parliament since 1994, first representing Kent West, before being elected an MEP for the South East Region.

Peter has been a Member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee for 10 years and has been the European Parliamentary Labour Party's spokesperson and the EPLP - UK Treasury Link for 3 years. He is currently Parliament Rapporteur for the Reinsurance Directive. His main interests lay in financial services, in particular the transatlantic legislators dialogue. He is also active in promoting the risk capital action plan as part of the Lisbon Agenda for growth potential within the EU, aimed primarily at the SME sector.

Peter is a substitute Member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee and takes a special interest in the link between science and innovation. He hopes to promote the connection between research at universities with the translation in to commercial products.

Peter is a senior Member of the US Delegation and regularly visits the US to discuss trade issues and financial services. He is currently working on equivalence issues in terms of the regulation of the Financial Services Industry.