Fracking firms could share in UK fossil fuel tax breaks worth billions

Exclusive: Campaigners say funding may provide incentive to restart fracking if moratorium is lifted

Fracking companies are likely to be eligible for tax breaks, potentially worth billions, that the government is extending to oil and gas companies to encourage new exploration of fossil fuel resources.

Combined with high gas prices, the extra funding - which amounts to a subsidy, according to campaigners - could provide a strong incentive to restart fracking operations if a moratorium in the UK is lifted, which could happen as early as this week.