5 important things happening in the UK today (4 June 2026)
Here are five important things happening in the UK on Thursday (4 June 2026):
UK in line for fresh US tariff hit
Donald Trump has proposed a fresh round of tariffs that would hit numerous nations including the UK as the President seeks to rebuild his sweeping wall of levies that were struck down by the Supreme Court. The US is exploring a tariff of at least 10% on imports from up to 60 trading partners following an investigation into forced labour practices. [CityAM]
Universal theme park to be the UK’s most popular tourist attraction
One of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector has been agreed between the government and Comcast NBCUniversal to build an entertainment resort complex, the Universal United Kingdom Resort, in Bedfordshire that will employ thousands and entertain millions of people. [GOV]
MI5 warns Chinese spies using job websites to target government staff
Chinese spies are posing as recruitment agents to trick UK government and military staff into disclosing state secrets, MI5 has warned. In a joint warning issued in a bulletin by the Five Eyes alliance, made up of UK, US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand agencies, it warned undercover operatives are using legitimate sites including LinkedIn, Indeed and Upwork to advertise fake analyst jobs. [BBC]
Smartglasses and earpieces may worsen exam cheating in schools, says Ofqual
Cheating in exams could be magnified by the new generation of wearable hi-tech devices such as smartglasses or invisible earpieces, according to England’s qualifications watchdog. Ian Bauckham, the head of the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), also revealed that GCSEs and A-level courses in England were being scrutinised over potential AI use in students’ coursework, after teachers said they were struggling to detect it. [Guardian]
Financial news
Brent crude futures fell below $97 per barrel on Thursday after three consecutive sessions of gains, as investors assessed escalating tensions between the US and Iran that continue to cloud prospects for a peace agreement and the normalisation of Middle Eastern energy flows. On Thursday, Oil was trading flat at $95.28. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.16, and ¥9.09.
