Spoke to Mobile Fun who I think was the only last hope of a 4G sim free version and they confirmed theirs won't be 4G - ah well was worth a check!
Sim free?
just called the samsung store, he told me they dont have a confirmed price but he thinks it will be £ 599 (maybe £50 more)
An official launch set to take place from midday on Sunday at the store, will allow customers to benefit from an exclusive price promotion when they buy a Galaxy Note II. In addition, lucky customers will have the chance to enter a number of competitions, to win a Galaxy Note II, that highlight the gaming and creative capabilities of the device.