Straw to issue dossier of torture and repression

Jack Straw will release today a "harrowing" account of torture, rape and other human rights abuses by the Iraqi regime as he increases pressure on Saddam Hussein a week before the deadline for disclosing the state's weapons of mass destruction.

Mr Straw will increase the rhetoric pressing for Iraqi disarmament, claiming that removing President Saddam's arsenal will curb his ability to inflict human rights abuses on his people.

The document will be seen as a further attempt by the Government to make the case for war if President Saddam fails to comply with the resolution. Mr Straw will say: "By disarming Iraq, we not only help those countries in the region which are subject to Iraqi threats and intimidation, we also deprive Saddam of his most powerful tools for keeping the Iraqi people living in fear and subjugation.

"It is the most detailed account the Government has ever published, including intelligence material, first-hand accounts of Iraqi victims of torture and oppression, and reports by NGOs. The abuses extend far beyond pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.

"The Iraqi people are powerless to speak out. Anyone criticising Saddam may have their tongue removed."