Across
1
Why it’s hard to open where a gap is unclosed (4,3)
5
Kid pushed over, veteran shut up (7)
9
For example, brain that’s stopped (5)
10
Neither profit nor gain from holiday flat (5,4)
11
18 needs to be anything but neanderthal (7-3)
12
Defended by Cuba, Kuwaiti capital (4)
14
Sponge back in shower with a bar of soap, having created one earlier (7,4)
18
Concerned with supporting Leave (my, that’s extreme) – and now this! (6,5)
21
Ergo ready for liquid lunch? (4)
22
Flier with orbital course, a measure of speed and spirit (5,5)
25
Flying weight non-negotiable? (2,3,4)
26
European river runs where white castle initially located? (5)
27
Scientist’s spirit broken by school of players (7)
28
18 and he gets counselling (7)
Down
1
Doctor oversees surgical procedures that went a bit wrong (6)
2
Riverside waiter, earring perhaps, with shaved head? (6)
3
Smear bit of fish with virus onto vessel (10)
5
Guard on visits reading novel (9)
6
Romeo in drag? (4)
8
A victory proving elusive in daring feats – trap set? (8)
13
Nearby supply cut by carpenter, say, European and Asian wood (6,4)
15
Absence of moral rectitude with which 18 vied (9)
16
Slight boo-boo at first, skedaddle (5-3)
17
Nervous say after a fall, stuffing knocked out (8)
19/4
It really is me in motorboat at sea! (2,3,1,5)
20
Forward – as one’s behind? (6)
23
Cube, elevation skimmed (5)
24/7
Easy clue: ‘Funeral director’s special offer?’ (4,8)