Lawyers say just being detained on suspicion of such a crime, even if the person is later cleared, could stop them travelling to the US or working in education. About 221 people have so far been held. Most were arrested for holding up placards that read: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Two women and a man have been charged with showing support for proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action following a protest in central London. Jeremy Shippam, 71, of West Sussex, Judit Murray, 71, of Surrey, and Fiona Maclean, 53, of Hackney are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 16 September, the Metropolitan Police said.

The U.K. government has proscribed the network as a terrorist group, a decision fiercely contested by the group itself.