Industry body GB Railfreight has warned the government that its plans to close down all UK coal-fired power stations could be damaging to the nation's rail freight industry. 

This comes in response to an announcement by energy secretary Amber Rudd that coal power stations will be phased out by 2025. 

Managing director of GB Railfreight John Smith said this leaves the industry at a crucial crossroads and raises considerable challenges. 

He acknowledged that a reduction in coal output has been anticipated for some time now and that it is important to help meet UK carbon targets. 

However, he emphasised that 2025 is sooner than intended and - together with the demise of the steel industry - will see the core of rail freight business stripped. 

"We are at an important crossroads for rail freight where we need to find and develop new and existing foundations and this requires government support [and] an integrated approach to our logistics strategy," he commented.