The state visit of the Japanese Emperor to Britain has ended the same way it began -- with bitter protests from British war veterans.

The ex-servicemen have followed the emperor throughout his four-day visit, jeering, turning their backs and whistling a tune symbolizing British wartime defiance.

They are demanding compensation and a full public apology for the torture and beatings they received in Japanese prison camps during the Second World War.

Despite the protests Japanese officials described the visit as a success.

The British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had earlier brushed aside appeals for action from the veterans, has now agreed to meet them to listen to their demands.