Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 4 Jun 2017

1. At least seven killed in London terror attack

At least seven people have been killed and 48 were injured in a terror attack in London. A white van was driven at high speed into pedestrians on London Bridge just after 10pm before it continued to nearby Borough Market, where three men got out and stabbed people. Within eight minutes, armed police confronted the male attackers, shooting them dead.

London Bridge attack: Dawn raids in Barking as Islamic State claims responsibility

2. Donald Trump 'does believe in climate change'

Donald Trump "believes the climate is changing and he believes pollutants are part of that equation," says the US ambassador to the United Nations. Nikki Haley added: "So that is the fact. That is where we are." The US President sparked global condemnation when he announced on Thursday that America would withdraw from the Paris climate change agreement.

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3. Theresa May 'to go nuclear' as lead 'shrinks to one point'

A new opinion poll gives the Conservatives 40% of the vote, with Labour close behind on 39% and the Lib Dems trailing on 8%. The Mail On Sunday says Theresa May will "go nuclear" in response to the survey, which comes just four days ahead of the general election. However, other polls last night put her lead at 12% and 6%.

4. Western coalition admits killing 484 civilians in Syria and Iraq

The US-led coalition has admitted killing at least 484 civilians in air strikes in Syria and Iraq. As allegations grow of war crimes in the battle against Islamic State in Mosul, a US Central Command spokesman said: "In some incidents casualties are unavoidable." The deadliest air strike came in March, when at at least 101 men, women and children were killed in Mosul’s al-Jadida district.

5. British universities hit by post-Brexit 'brain drain'

There are fears of a "brain drain" after more than 1,300 academics from the EU left British universities over the past 12 months. Cambridge University alone lost 184 staff in the past year. A spokeswoman for the University and College Union said Theresa May "is creating dangerous insecurity in our universities". She added: "Higher education is international, and the exchange of knowledge across borders is critical to its success."

6. Labour announce VAT plan as Tories squabble over tax

Labour will cut the rate of VAT if it wins the general election, says shadow chancellor John McDonnell. Speaking to The Observer, he called for a "fair tax system" with income tax rises for the highest earners followed by VAT reductions for all. Meanwhile, Theresa May insists her party’s tax plans have not changed after senior Tories promised they would not raise income tax for high earners.

7. Saddam 'listened to Mary J Blige' in final days

Saddam Hussein spent the final days of his life listening to Mary J Blige and gardening in prison, according to a new book about the Iraqi president. As he awaited trial for ordering the execution of 148 opponents, Saddam reportedly enjoyed listening to the music of American R&B singer and also rode a "rickety" exercise bike he called his "pony".

8. Jeremy Paxman 'is in line for a knighthood'

Jeremy Paxman has been nominated for a knighthood, claims the Mail On Sunday. The paper says that the broadcaster "known for his Rottweiler interrogations of politicians" is on a list drawn up recently by the arts and media honours committee. The news comes a week after the former Newsnight anchor described Theresa May as a "blowhard Prime Minister".

9. Nigel Farage hints at return to the political frontline

Nigel Farage says he may return to frontline politics in two years' time if Brexit is "unfinished". The former Ukip leader said: "That depends on whether this Prime Minster delivers. If she does as well with Brexit as she did as Home Secretary with immigration, then ask me that question in two years' time and I may well say, 'Do you know what, the job's unfinished'."

10. Ronaldo ebullient as Real win Champions League - again

Cristiano Ronaldo starred as Real Madrid retained the Champions League in Cardiff last night. He netted twice against Juventus. It was Real's record 12th triumph in this competition - their third in four seasons. "This is one of the best moments of my career but it seems I am able to say that every year," said Ronaldo. "People won't be able to criticise me because the numbers don't lie.”