What is the tallest building in the UK as of 2018?

The Shard (Shard of Glass) is the tallest building in the United Kingdom as of 2018. It is also the tallest building in the European Union. It was the fifth tallest building in Europe and the 96th tallest building in the world. It is also the second tallest free standing structure in the United Kingdom, after the concrete tower of the Emley Moor transmitting station. It replaced Southwark Towers, a 24 story office block built in 1975.

While standing 309.6 meters (1,016 ft) at its highest point and 308.5 meters (1,012 ft) at the highest point of its steel work, The Shard became the tallest building in the European Union in December 2011. It became the tallest completed building in Europe at the end of March 2012. It surpassed Frankfurt's Commerzbank Tower, which at 259 meters (850 ft) was Europe's tallest building between 1997 and 2005.

Today, popular architectural designers believe The Shard like other 21st century buildings has mass appeal because it is a stark vertical structure and has glass curtain walls (this building design has become a hallmark of ultramodern urban life for many countries to copy around the world).