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Songs of Praise
UK News

Songs of Praise presenter's surprise refugee reunion

Sally Magnusson was introduced to journalist Biniyam when the BBC show filmed an episode at a makeshift church inside the so-called "Jungle" settlement in August.

Sunday night's edition of the programme shows an unexpected meeting between the pair during an English lesson for asylum seekers and refugees at the Bethel Church in Newport, Wales.

Speaking on Songs of Praise, Sally Magnusson said: "When I talked to Biniyam in that simple church in Calais, it was hard to image what the future might hold for him. I certainly didn't think I would find him at the heart of the Welsh community in Newport."

Biniyam said he fled Ethiopia after articles he wrote prompted death threats from the government, while his journey to the UK saw him caught up in a deadly boat incident in the Mediterranean.

He arrived via the Channel Tunnel after holding on to a lorry and has since been granted right to remain.

Exploring contrasting Christian perspectives regarding Brexit, Sunday night's programme was also filmed in the Lincolnshire town of Boston which has the highest proportion of voters who opted in June's referendum to leave the EU.

Songs of Praise is broadcast at 5.15pm on Sunday 17 July 2016 on BBC One

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