1Friend’s securing check after check – he wins lots, ultimately, in these (5,7) 1 across. Friend’s securing check after check – he wins lots, ultimately, in these. 5 letters and 7 letters.

9Some farmer in search for swill (5) 9 across. Some farmer in search for swill. 5 letters.

10Experimental area: year in this removing one’s perplexity (9) 10 across. Experimental area: year in this removing one’s perplexity. 9 letters.

11Trees beside end of street likely gutted at the outset (7) 11 across. Trees beside end of street likely gutted at the outset. 7 letters.

12Island I found surrounded by fish in part of Africa (7) 12 across. Island I found surrounded by fish in part of Africa. 7 letters.

13Sadly values-lite, like much broadcasting (10) 13 across. Sadly values-lite, like much broadcasting. 10 letters.

15Committed pupil pulls back (4) 15 across. Committed pupil pulls back. 4 letters.

18This gin gets legions drunk (4) 18 across. This gin gets legions drunk. 4 letters.

19Ageing somehow seen linked to knowledge I released (10) 19 across. Ageing somehow seen linked to knowledge I released. 10 letters.

22Rebuke? Republican hitting ceiling (7) 22 across. Rebuke? Republican hitting ceiling. 7 letters.

24Old still beer getting mark with pen (7) 24 across. Old still beer getting mark with pen. 7 letters.

25Thumps one with Guardian heartlessly – it’s a mark of the Greens? (5,4) 25 across. Thumps one with Guardian heartlessly – it’s a mark of the Greens? 5 letters and 4 letters.

26Flower from old times getting attention (2-3) 26 across. Flower from old times getting attention. 2-3 letters.

27Yes, bad mood may be aggravated by merely adequate historic records (8,4) 27 across. Yes, bad mood may be aggravated by merely adequate historic records. 8 letters and 4 letters.