The announcement comes only days after a damning UK parliamentary report called Facebook and its executives "digital gangsters," and condemned Zuckerberg for previously refusing to meet with UK officials. He originally turned down the UK's invitation to meet in March last year, sending CTO Mike Schroepfer in his place. Zuckerberg then refused a second invitation in May, despite the next day agreeing to meet with EU representatives. He then rebuffed a further request, instead sending policy solutions VP Richard Allan to take the heat.

Thursday's meeting will predominantly see Wright and Zuckerberg discussing the UK government's forthcoming plans to tighten online security, so it's not the revelatory inquisition UK officials had originally hoped for. It's not clear why Zuckerberg has finally decided to budge, although the UK's recent report did not mince its words when it reprimanded him for "showing contempt" towards the UK Parliament. With Facebook continuously under the global spotlight, it can't afford to jeopardize relations with anyone.