UK offers new North Sea oil and gas licences despite climate concerns

Greenpeace calls process, which will run until end of June, possibly unlawful'

The UK has opened up a new licensing round to allow oil and gas companies to explore for fossil fuels in the North Sea despite threats of a legal battle from climate campaigners.

The North Sea Transition Authority has begun a process to award more than 100 licences to companies hoping to extract oil and gas in the area. Almost 900 locations are being offered up for exploration.