Blunkett, who also made the keynote speech two years ago at the event, is this year’s president of TPC and was speaking at the 189th Annual Luncheon the charity has hosted. Last year’s luncheon was addressed by TPC’s 2015 president HRH The Duke of York.

Blunkett spoke of his passion for the print industry and how it has helped him along the way in his career, which began in 1970 when he became Britain’s youngest ever councillor aged just 22.

He also spoke at length about the importance of the work TPC is doing, especially highlighting the strength of its recent Print Futures Awards, where he was also the keynote speaker.

He said: "The industry has grown beyond recognition since the charity was set up in 1827, but its work is as important today as it was then. Its welfare support for people in the industry and focus on championing new talent in a sector that continues to innovate are vitally important.”

Speaking prior to Blunkett, TPC chairman Jon Wright announced that Blunkett’s successor as TPC president in 2017 will be Baroness Brenda Dean, a former head of the now-defunct print union the Society of Graphical and Allied Trades (SOGAT). Blunkett described Dean as "the Vera Lynn of the printing industry".

Dean said: “Once printing is in your blood, it never leaves you. I am looking forward to continuing my association with what is still a great industry as the charity’s 2017 President and supporting the annual Print Futures Awards.”

Wright also highlighted the work of the charity. He discussed the alumni programme, launched by TPC chief executive Neil Lovell at the Print Futures Awards, making clear the importance young people play in the future of print.

He also spoke of the work TPC is doing with other organisations, including independent freelance journalism foundation the Rory Peck Trust, who’s director Tina Carr was also present. 

The charity announced it has helped around 1,230 people this year, more than the 2015 number.

The luncheon also saw a loyal toast given by TPC’s vice-president Lord Black of Brentwood.

Since resigning as an MP, Blunkett has turned his focus to a number of charitable endeavours and has also taken up a post as professor of politics in practice at the University of Sheffield. 

Next year's luncheon will take place on 9 November.