A major debate about the future of investigative journalism is being staged next month by the London Press Club in partnership with the polling company YouGov.

The four panellists will be Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger and four journalists with admirable records as investigative reporters - Tom Bower, Heather Brooke, Andrew Gilligan and Tom Harper. Broadcaster, and former Sunday Times editor, Andrew Neil will be in the chair.

YouGov is carrying out a poll ahead of the debate, which is entitled "Can investigative journalism survive?"

There will be plenty for the speakers to talk about, given the attacks on whistleblowers, attempts by the authorities to reveal the identities of confidential sources, the slashing of editorial budgets and the requirement to feed the 24-hours news cycle.

Rusbridger is likely to address The Guardian's use of material from the NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, the arrest of David Miranda, the Wikileaks revelations and, possibly, the phone-hacking scandal.

Bower, whose in-depth investigations inevitably lead to revelatory biographies, such as those on Conrad Black and Bernie Ecclestone, may well explain why his Richard Desmond book remains unpublished.

Gilligan, the Telegraph's senior reporter, will forever be associated with his Today programme claim that Tony Blair's government had "sexed up" an Iraq dossier.

Brooke, the freedom of information campaigner, is best known for her role in exposing the parliamentary expenses scandal that culminated in numerous resignations and prosecutions.

And Harper, The Independent's investigations reporter, has a series of scoops to his name, including the Soca cover-up of the use of private investigators by blue-chip firms.

The debate will take place at the Stationers and Newspapermakers' Hall on 22 October from 6.45pm. Entry is by ticket only, and places are limited. Priority among London Press Club's allocation will be given to members. To apply for a place, email events@yougov.com

Ahead of the debate, members of the London Press Club, the Society of Editors and Women in Journalism are taking part in the YouGov poll. You can also take part in the survey, which closes in a week's time, by going here.

The revival of the London Press Club

The investigative journalism debate is the opening to a series of autumn events organised by the London Press Club.

Its committee, led by chairman Doug Wills, managing editor of the Independent titles and London Evening Standard, is bent on reviving the club.

Two events already planned are a breakfast with The Sun's editor David Dinsmore on 5 November (fireworks optional, I would guess) and a women-in-media forum in partnership with the Huffington Post and the Standard on 19 November.

All are free to London Press Club members. If you wish to join, or to renew your membership, go to www.londonpressclub.co.uk or email info@londonpressclub.co.uk.