Bitesize Blighty: October 19, 2018
- Facebook has hired Nick Clegg, the former UK deputy prime minister, to head its global affairs and communications team as it faces escalating problems over data protection and the threat of greater government regulation. Sir Nick, 51, will move to Silicon Valley in January to succeed Elliot Schrage, who announced he would leave Facebook after 10 years in June.
- Chancellor of the Exchequer (a.k.a. Treasurer for those playing at home) Philip Hammond has received a boost ahead of this month’s Budget, with official figures showing government borrowing at its lowest level in 16 years in the first half of the fiscal year. The UK government borrowed £4.1bn in September, less than analysts had expected and down from £5bn in September 2017, according to Friday’s data. Borrowing of £19.9bn over the first six months of the fiscal year was 35 per cent down from the same period of 2017, and the lowest since 2002.
- A ROYAL FLUSH: Meghan, 37, and Prince Harry, 34, have announced that they are expecting their first child. The announcement came as they arrived in Sydney on Monday ahead of a 16-day tour of Australia and New Zealand. Kensington Palace said the couple, who got married in Windsor five months ago, were "delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public". Their baby will be seventh in line to the throne.
