Many thanks. I had 'emirates' instead of 'emicates' for 18A (Conservative taking over rule in M Eastern country sparkles) So difficult! It will take me years to master cryptic crosswords! Thanks again for your help.
I think Tim Moorey is the best setter in the Mephisto team and you can learn a lot from studying his clue construction. Every single word in the clue is important.
As with everything, experience makes you better.
Happy solving.