Nick Clegg Returns to UK After Meta Role

Sir Nick Clegg, UK Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015, has reflected on his time in Silicon Valley and his role at Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Clegg, 58, joined Meta in 2018 as Vice-President for Global Affairs and Communications, later becoming President of Global Affairs. He left the company earlier this year after nearly six years in California, returning to London with his wife, Miriam González Durántez, and their family.

Speaking in London, Clegg described his experience in the US technology sector as a “culture shock,” noting what he called a “cloying conformity” among Silicon Valley executives. Despite his criticisms of the social media industry, Clegg defended the idea that online platforms can remain a force for good if properly regulated.

Clegg’s move to Meta came after his tenure in UK politics, where he served as Deputy Prime Minister in the coalition government with David Cameron from 2010 to 2015. His shift from Westminster to the technology sector surprised many, but he has said he took the role believing he could help guide major platforms through difficult political and social challenges, including disinformation, data privacy, and global regulation.

During his time at Meta, Clegg often represented the company in high-level talks with governments around the world. He played a significant role in shaping the company’s public response to controversies, including issues linked to online safety, harmful content, and political misinformation.

Clegg’s wife, Miriam González Durántez, has also stepped back into European politics. She has recently launched “España Mejor,” a non-profit group in Spain focused on increasing citizen participation in policymaking. The family’s decision to leave the US, Clegg has said, was influenced in part by her desire to resume political activity closer to Europe.

Although no longer at Meta, Clegg maintains that social media continues to be a central part of modern political and social life. He has argued that while the platforms present challenges, particularly with online harms and political influence, they also provide important tools for communication, connection, and democratic debate.

Clegg’s return to London has prompted speculation about whether he may re-enter British politics. However, he has not publicly confirmed any plans. For now, he remains one of the few figures with experience at the highest levels of both government and global technology.