PM praises forces for Libyan mission 06.12.11
2David Cameron today told forces personnel back from operations in Libya they had done "a really great thing" in helping oust Muammar Gaddafi from power. About 120 servicemen and women who have served in Libya were invited to 10 Downing Street by the Prime Minister for a reception to thank them for their work. Before a rendition of Wherever You Are by the military wives choir led by Gareth Malone, Mr Cameron said no party at Number 10 had given him "such an honour" to host as today's. Paying tribute to the Armed Forces' "courage, professionalism and dedication" in protecting Libyan civilians from forces loyal to the late dictator Gaddafi, Mr Cameron said he had been "unbelievably impressed" with their efforts. "These are still early days but we can put our hands on our hearts and say we did a really great thing for that country," he said. They helped get rid of "one of the most brutal dictators of the last century", he said, adding: "Our world is safer - our nation is safer - if more countries make the transition from dictatorship to democracy." The military wives choir, which has featured in a BBC television show, performed a number of Christmas carols outside Number 10 before going inside to sing at the reception. Mr Cameron said he hoped they would make Christmas Number One in the charts.