What's happening to FB Messenger (UK)? FB wants access to my Google account before allowing me to proceed.

Hi all. I'm in the UK, if that makes a difference! I'm currently on a break from Facebook but have been using Messenger. Until today, when I wasn't able to access it. Apparently, the way it's being run is changing & FB wants access to my Google account. I don't really understand what's going on - I'm not very tech savvy really & not very good with change!

I'm not sure I will ever go back to Facebook at this point - my feed is a mess of ads and suggestions & full of scammers! But sadly I have friends & family who only seem to communicate through FB or Messenger!

I miss the days when we just picked up the phone...