Contributor(s): Hazel Blears MP, Annie Machon, Professor Sir David Omand, Matthew Ryder QC | Without whistle blowers and the media the current debate over the accountability of the secret state would not be happening. What should be the future role of the media, if any, in holding the security services to account? Hazel Blears (@HazelBlearsMP) is a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee of parliament. Annie Machon (@AnnieMachon) is director of LEAP Europe and former intelligence officer for MI5. David Omand was the UK’s first security and intelligence coordinator. Matthew Ryder (@rydermc) is a barrister at Matrix Chambers.