Pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action's co-founder on Friday lost a bid to pause the British government's decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism laws, with the group losing an urgent appeal meaning it will be banned from midnight.

The protest group is now on the list of proscribed terrorist groups, making membership of, or support for, it a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

More than 20 people have been arrested during a protest in London in support of Palestine Action, a group which has been banned under UK anti-terrorism laws