Jack Straw calls for 70m Turks to join EU to prove 'West and Islam can live together'

Other EU members, including France, have reservations over Turkey - whose 70million population is almost exclusively Muslim - being granted membership amid continuing human rights abuses.

During a visit to Istanbul, the Justice Secretary said he was "frustrated with the difficulties being placed in the way" of Turkey joining the EU.

Full membership would allow Turkish citizens full rights to work and live in the UK, where many have strong family ties, without visas.

In a speech at Bosphorous University, Mr Straw said: "Statesmen and women across Europe need to take care with Turkey's future.

"One of the most significant threats faced today by civilised nations comes from the barbarism of international terrorism, from a violent and misguided ideology that seeks to drive a wedge between Western and Islamic cultures, and to resurrect a bloody past long since buried.

"A stable, prosperous Turkey anchored in the EU would be a powerful symbol indeed that the true divide lies not between our cultures, but between the vast majority of civilised people across the world and the uncivilised few who use terror to destroy the common values and beliefs which bind the rest of us."

Mr Straw, who backed Turkey's case when he was Foreign Secretary, added: 'Turkey is a secular nation with a majority Muslim population.

By welcoming Turkey into Europe, we will prove how two cultures can not only exist together, but thrive together, as partners in the modern world. Accession means a more pluralist, tolerant and inclusive Turkey - and a more pluralist, tolerant and inclusive Europe.'

His comments will be a significant boost to the Turkish government, which is poised to reopen talks with EU leaders next month. It is hoping to obtain full membership by 2020.

The most recent European Commission assessment, published earlier this month, said Turkey's failure to end torture, improve minority rights or guarantee freedom of expression were significant stumbling blocks to EU membership.

It said the pace of reforms has slowed since Turkey's membership negotiations opened two years ago.

"Cases of torture and ill-treatment are still being reported, especially during arrest and outside detention centres," the report added.

Mr Straw said Turkey must go faster in addressing these concerns.

Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, said: "We need to be extremely cautious over admitting Turkey to the EU. The population will approach 100million by that time.

"We have already seen the huge impact of Eastern European migration to the West. Where dies Europe end its land border? Do we really want a border with Syria, Iraq and Iran?"